Patanjali Issues Fresh and Bigger Apology Following Supreme Court's Comment
The Unconditional Public Apology
4/24/20243 min read
Patanjali Issues Fresh and Bigger Apology Day After Supreme Court's Comment
On Wednesday, Patanjali, a well-known Indian consumer goods company, issued a larger public apology in various newspapers. This came after the Supreme Court questioned whether their previous apology was as prominent as their misleading advertisements.
The Background
Patanjali has been in the spotlight recently due to allegations of misleading advertisements. The company, known for its Ayurvedic products, has faced criticism for making exaggerated claims about the effectiveness of its products.
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court expressed its dissatisfaction with the size and visibility of Patanjali's apology. The court remarked that the apology should be as prominent as the advertisements that misled consumers.
A Bigger Apology
In response to the Supreme Court's comment, Patanjali issued a fresh and larger apology. The company took the court's remarks seriously and made sure that the apology was more visible to the public.
The new apology was published in various newspapers, ensuring a wider reach and visibility. Patanjali acknowledged its mistake and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to consumers due to their misleading advertisements.
Why didn’t Patanjali issue a bigger apology before?
During a Supreme Court hearing on Tuesday, Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Ramdev informed the apex court that Patanjali has now published public apologies in 67 newspapers over its conduct which reportedly cost “tens of lakhs”.
Replying to Rohatgi, Justice Hima Kohli asked, “Is the apology of the same size as your earlier advertisements?”
The court also noted that the apology was only issued on April 22.
A bench comprising of Justice Kohli and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah was hearing the contempt case against Patanjali Ayurveda for publishing misleading medical advertisements in violation of an undertaking given to the Supreme Court in November last year.
Importance of Transparency and Accountability
This incident highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in advertising. Consumers rely on advertisements to make informed decisions about the products they purchase. When companies make false or exaggerated claims, it not only deceives consumers but also undermines their trust in the brand.
Transparency and accountability are essential for building and maintaining a strong brand reputation. Companies should be honest about their products and their claims, ensuring that consumers have accurate information to make informed choices.
Legal Implications
The Supreme Court's comment and Patanjali's subsequent apology raise questions about the legal implications of misleading advertisements. In India, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) is responsible for regulating and monitoring advertisements.
ASCI has a code of conduct that outlines the principles and guidelines for advertising in the country. Advertisements should be truthful, not misleading, and should not make false claims about a product's efficacy.
When companies violate these guidelines, they can face legal consequences. The Patanjali case serves as a reminder that companies must adhere to advertising regulations and take responsibility for their actions.
Rebuilding Trust
For Patanjali, issuing a larger apology is a step towards rebuilding trust with its customers. Rebuilding trust after a breach requires more than just an apology – it requires consistent actions to rectify the situation and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Companies can rebuild trust by being transparent about their products, providing accurate information, and taking immediate corrective measures when mistakes are made. It is essential for Patanjali to demonstrate its commitment to honesty and integrity in its advertising practices.