The Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up the Uttarakhand State
Licensing Authority for inaction in the misleading advertisements case
involving Patanjali Ayurved Limited.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the explanation offered by the
body, a bench of Justice Hima Kohli and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah observed
it appeared that the licensing authority got activated to take action in
accordance with the law only after the apex court's April 10 order.
"Be honest to the court if you want sympathy and
compassion," the bench observed.
The top court said its main concern is whether the licensing
body took action in accordance with the law in the matter.
The bench has posted the matter for hearing on May 14.
While hearing the matter on April 10, the apex court came down heavily
on the Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority for inaction and said it was not
going to take it lightly as the body appeared to have kept its "eyes shut
deliberately".