From Covid Cure Claim To An Anonymous Letter: How Patanjali Case Unfolded
In a dramatic legal battle that unfolded over nearly three years, Patanjali Ayurved, founded by Yoga guru Ramdev and his aide Balkrishna, faced intense scrutiny for its actions related to COVID-19 claims. The case involved misleading advertisements, controversial statements, and an anonymous letter that shook the foundations of the company.
The Beginning: Coronil’s Launch
In February 2021, just before the Delta wave of COVID-19 struck, Ramdev launched Patanjali’s Coronil, which he boldly described as the “first evidence-based medicine for COVID-19.” The launch event was attended by then Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, who himself is a doctor. The poster at the event claimed that Coronil held a certificate of pharmaceutical product and was recognized by the WHO’s Good Manufacturing Practices. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) clarified that it had not reviewed or certified any traditional medicine to treat or prevent COVID-19. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) expressed shock at the “blatant lie” of WHO certification for a “secret medicine” launched in the presence of the Health Minister.
Controversial Statements
Months later, a video of Ramdev went viral, where he was heard saying that allopathy was a “stupid and bankrupt science” responsible for the deaths of thousands of people. He claimed that no modern medicine was effectively curing COVID-19. In response, the IMA sent a legal notice to Ramdev, demanding an apology and withdrawal of his statements. The IMA also appealed to then Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan to take action against the Yoga guru under the Epidemic Diseases Act. Patanjali Yogpeeth defended Ramdev, stating that he was merely reading from a forwarded WhatsApp message and had no ill-will against modern science.
Authorities’ Role
According to a BBC report, in December 2020, Patanjali urged state authorities to change Coronil’s license from an “immunity booster” to one for “medicine for COVID-19.” The following month, the company claimed that the product had received approval as a “supporting measure” against COVID-19. However, the AYUSH Ministry and Uttarakhand state authorities confirmed that while a new license had been issued, Coronil was “not a cure” for COVID-19.
The Anonymous Letter
On January 15, an anonymous letter addressed to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud arrived at the Supreme Court. Copies were also marked to Justices Kohli and Amanullah. The letter highlighted Patanjali’s continued misleading advertisements. The Supreme Court took note of this and made strong remarks against the Uttarakhand authorities for their inaction against Patanjali. The court rejected apologies from Ramdev and Balkrishna and announced that it would pass an order on April 16.
Supreme Court’s Warning
The petition filed by the IMA alleged that Patanjali’s misleading advertisements disparaged allopathy and made false claims about curing certain diseases. The claims were unverified and violated laws such as the Drugs and Other Magic Remedies Act, 1954, and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019¹²³.
In this high-stakes legal battle, the clash between traditional medicine and scientific evidence unfolded, leaving questions about accountability and public health in its wake.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 4/11/2024
(1) From Covid Cure Claim To An Anonymous Letter: How Patanjali Case Unfolded. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/patanjali-balkrishna-ramdev-from-covid-cure-claim-to-an-anonymous-letter-how-patanjali-case-unfolded-5417538.
(2) ‘We will rip you apart’: Why Supreme Court is fuming at Patanjali | Case explained. https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/we-will-rip-you-apart-why-the-supreme-court-is-fuming-at-patanjali-ramdev-case-explained/3453628/.
(3) patanjali: From claiming a COVID cure to receiving an anonymous letter … https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/from-claiming-a-covid-cure-to-receiving-an-anonymous-letter-the-unfolding-of-the-patanjali-case/articleshow/109216803.cms.
(4) ‘Will fine Rs 1 crore if…’: Supreme Court’s warning to Patanjali on … https://www.indiatoday.in/law/story/supreme-court-warns-patanjali-misleading-ads-on-allopathic-medicines-2465790-2023-11-21.