The Central government was represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
Addressing the Union’s counsel, the Court said it has questions for the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) Ministry on why it did not publicise its stance that ayurvedic products were, at best, a supplement to other medicines.
“We have questions for AYUSH. You issued notice to Patanjali and they filed a reply and reply is not before us and we are wondering why. COVID was in 2022 and you had yourself stated that these were at best a supplement to the main medicine. This was not publicized at all. Nothing could move without Central go-ahead during COVID and you did nothing to make this known. It was a critical period,” Justice Kohli observed.
She went on to question the Central government over its apparent failure to act against Patanjali, despite the latter’s disparaging claims against modern medicine.
“AYUSH has much to commend and there is a limit to what they can do. But the manner in which other modes have been disparaged is utterly shocking. They have mocked the others. Have you seen the transcript?” Justice Kohli asked.
“He (Baba Ramdev) has done a lot for Yoga. But that cannot be stretched to pick holes in everything else,” Justice Amanullah added.
After today’s hearing, the Court has ordered that the Drugs and License Department be also added as a party to the case.
Source: Barandbench
