30 April 2024 9:18 AM GMT
While hearing the contempt case against Patanjali Ayurved, the Supreme Court on Tuesday (April 30) turned its focus on the Indian Medical Association, after Patanjali's lawyer flagged an interview given by the IMA President which is allegedly critical of the observations made by the Court against IMA members.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Patanjali, brought the attention of the bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah to the interview given by IMA President Dr RV Ashokan to the press yesterday, in which he reportedly criticised the Supreme Court's observation that IMA should act regarding complaints of unethical practices by doctors.
Rohatgi said that the IMA President termed the Supreme Court's observations "unfortunate" and "vague". The bench asked Rohatgi to bring the interview on record.
"This is more serious than what we have been doing till now," Justice Amanullah said.
"You have not covered yourself with glory. You will have to explain," Justice Kolhi told IMA's counsel.
In the order, the bench observed as follows : "Mr Rohatgi has also brought the attention of this court to an interview given by the present IMA President, which in his submission is critical of this Court's order dated Apri 23. A copy of the publication carrying the interview be filed."
The Court was hearing a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association in which it has initiated a contempt case against Patanjali Ayurved, its MD Acharya Balkrishna and Baba Ramdev for publishing misleading medical advertisements in breach of an undertaking given to the Court.
Also from today's hearing - Supreme Court Says There Is 'Marked Improvement' In Public Apologies Published By Patanjali & Baba Ramdev, Seeks Original Copies