Why Supreme Court warned Indian Medical Association President of serious consequences in Patanjali case

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took strong exception to comments made by Indian Medical Association (IMA) President Dr RV Asokan against the top court in relation to the Patanjali misleading ads case [Indian Medical Association & Anr v. Union of India and Ors]..A Bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah expressed its objection after counsel for Baba Ramdev, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, highlighted the IMA President's comments in an interview to the media."I have come across a very disturbing interview yesterday by IMA President saying why is Court pointing fingers at us. This is direct interference with Court! He says these are unfortunate, vague comments by Supreme Court, that it does not behoove the Supreme Court," Rohatgi said."Bring it on record. This will be more serious than what has been happening till now. Be prepared for more serious consequences," said Justice Amanullah..The IMA, which is the petitioner in the case against Patanjali, had faced some adverse comments from the Court on April 23.The Court had told the Association to put its house in order and address unethical practices in modern medicine and hospitals like prescribing expensive medicines."The petitioner (IMA) needs to put its own house in order regarding alleged unethical acts of the petitioner organisation where medicines are prescribed which are expensive and unnecessary. Whenever there is a misuse of the position by the petitioner association to prescribe expensive medicines and the line of treatment needs closer examination," the Court had said.The IMA President reportedly told the Press Trust of India (PTI) that it was "unfortunate" that the Supreme Court criticised the IMA and the practices of private doctors.The "vague and generalised statements," Asokan said, had demoralised private doctors. .The news wire interview was published by various media organisations including The Economic Times. Rohtagi today referred to the interview carried by the newspaper."It is an Economics Times interview, not some small newspaper. Milord, President of IMA! Not a small functionary. I am filing a contempt application," Rohatgi said.When Justice Kohli said "let it be filed", Rohtagi said: "I will do what needs to be done."The Court then allowed Rohtagi to bring the interview on record.Justice Amanullah clarified that the interview may be placed on record so that the Court can take a call on the future course of action. .Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.