Yoga guru Ramdev appeared before the Supreme Court on Tuesday, offering an “unconditional apology” for flouting the apex court’s orders regarding misleading advertisements of Patanjali’s medicinal products. This move followed the court’s stern warning to Ramdev and Patanjali’s managing director, Acharya Balkrishna, indicating they should “be ready for action” for failing to comply with previous directives.

The Supreme Court had previously rebuffed an apology tendered by Patanjali, expressing dissatisfaction with it. Ramdev’s lawyer, humbly folding hands, conveyed their sincere desire to apologize and willingness to accept any repercussions the court deemed appropriate.

Both Ramdev and Balkrishna appeared before the Supreme Court in response to show cause notices issued to them, contemplating contempt proceedings for their non-compliance with court orders regarding the advertisements’ claims about the efficacy of Patanjali’s products.

The apex court’s ire stemmed from Patanjali’s failure to respond to a notice issued on March 19 concerning the advertisements’ claims, which contradicted the undertaking given to the court in November 2023. The court deemed it necessary to issue a show cause notice to Ramdev, as the advertisements bore his endorsement.

During the hearing before Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, the bench noted the advertisements’ defiance of the law and proceeded with the matter.