The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to ensure Patanjali Ayurved removes all misleading advertisements from various platforms, particularly for 14 products whose licenses were previously revoked by the Uttarakhand licensing authority.

The case, brought by the IMA against Patanjali for allegedly deceptive medical advertisements, was heard by a bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Sandeep Mehta. The court ruled that no advertisements for the 14 medicines with suspended licenses should be aired or published.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Patanjali, informed the court that the digital advertisements had been withdrawn. However, Justice Kohli sought further details on actions taken beyond Patanjali’s internal channels, particularly regarding notifications to social media platforms and other intermediaries about the suspended licenses.

Advocate PS Patwalia, representing the IMA, clarified that while the licenses had initially been suspended, they were reinstated on May 17.

The court directed the Uttarakhand licensing authority to submit an affidavit within two weeks, detailing the licensing process.

Justice Kohli appointed advocate Shadan Farasat as amicus curiae to examine issues related to the functioning of the Drugs and Licensing Authority. This decision followed concerns regarding the effectiveness of Patanjali’s efforts to remove the misleading advertisements.

During the hearing, it was mentioned that IMA President Dr. RV Asokan had issued an unconditional apology for his previous statements criticizing the Supreme Court. Justice Kohli acknowledged Dr. Asokan’s affidavit expressing regret and his apology published in the IMA's monthly magazine, on their website, and shared with news agencies.

Dr. Asokan stated that his comments were unintentional and not meant to disrespect the court.