Patanjali case: SC criticises IMA chief for ‘illegible’ apology published in newspapers

The apology published by Indian Medical Association chief RV Asokan in newspapers for his remarks about the proceedings in the contempt case against Patanjali Ayurved was “illegible” with “miniscule” font, said the Supreme Court on Tuesday, reported Bar and Bench.

A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Sandeep Mehta made the remarks while examining digital copies of the apologies published in newspapers. “You just see the size of the publication,” the bench said. “It is less than 0.1 m…If you have any objection then tell us. We aren’t able to read this.”

On August 6, the top court ordered Asokan to issue an apology in prominent newspapers for his remarks in an interview with PTI in April, when he said it was “unfortunate” that the court had criticised the Indian Medical Association and some of the practices of private doctors.

During the hearing on Tuesday, the Indian Medical Association, represented by Senior Advocate PS Patwalia, submitted before the court a list of publications where the apology was published.

Patwalia also told the court that Asokan was ashamed of what had transpired. “He is apologetic for what has been committed.” In response, Mehta said: “He is not doing any obligation to us.”

The court ordered Asokan to submit the physical copies of the apologies published by him.

“The excerpt of the...

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