Supreme Court Orders IMA President to Publish Apologies for Misleading Advertisement Remarks

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed Dr. RV Asokan, President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), to publish apologies in all prominent newspapers that carried his interview, following his controversial remarks about the hearing on misleading advertisements in the top court.

A bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Sandeep Mehta stipulated that Asokan must cover the expenses for these apologies personally, without using IMA funds. The court then adjourned the matter.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the nature of Asokan’s previous apology, the court emphasized the need for a more appropriate gesture.

Asokan’s lawyer informed the court that an apology for his controversial remarks regarding the Patanjali hearing had already been published on various media platforms and the IMA website. A pop-up featuring the apology appears when the IMA website is accessed. The lawyer stated that Asokan had expressed regret and furnished an unconditional apology for his statements.

The published apology by Dr. RV Asokan, National President of the IMA, expressed regret to the Supreme Court, affirming that he had no intention to undermine the court’s majesty or dignity.

The court was addressing the Indian Medical Association’s plea seeking to establish guidelines prohibiting false and misleading advertisements related to Allopathy and Modern Medicine.