'Why abuse modern medicine system?' Supreme Court raps Baba Ramdev

The Supreme Court on Tuesday lashed out at Baba Ramdev for his 'derogatory' remarks on modern medicine systems such as allopathy.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) N V Ramana was hearing a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) seeking control of the 'smear campaign' against modern medicine, allopathy doctors, and the COVID-19 vaccination drive run by the Yoga guru.

The bench observed that Ramdev can run campaigns to popularise his system (Ayurveda), but should not criticise other systems (modern medicine).

"What happened to Baba Ramdev? He can popularise his system, but why should he criticise other systems? We all respect him, he popularized yoga but he shouldn't criticize other systems. What is the guarantee that his system will work? He cannot refuse the doctor system. He must exercise restraint in abusing other systems," said CJI Ramana, reported LiveLaw.in.

The bench also issued a notice to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Advertising Standards Council of India, Central Consumer Protection Authority of India, Central Consumer Protection Authority of India and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd -- the company founded by Ramdev -- seeking its reply to IMA's plea.

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In 2021, during the second wave of Covid-19 that left thousands dead, a video of Ramdev went viral where he could be heard saying, "Lakhs of people have died because of allopathic medicines, far more than those who died because they did not get treatment or oxygen." The yoga guru also reportedly called allopathy a "stupid and bankrupt" science.

He had also claimed that several doctors in India died despite taking both doses of the vaccine.

The IMA, in its plea, said that the "disparaging" statements are made by Ayush companies to mislead the general public.

Last week, in response to a plea filed by doctors against Ramdev's statement claiming US President Joe Biden tested positive for Covid despite being vaccinated, the Delhi High Court asked him to refrain from making misleading comments on Ayurveda.