Delhi HC Warns Ramdev Over ‘Sharbat Jihad’ Remarks
The Delhi High Court has issued a stern warning to Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, finding him “prima facie in contempt” for defying its earlier directive regarding disparaging remarks against Hamdard’s Rooh Afza. Justice Amit Bansal expressed concern over Ramdev’s actions, stating that he “lives in his own world” and appears to be “not in control of anyone.” The court ordered Ramdev to remove the offensive video from all platforms within 24 hours.
Rooh Afza Controversy
The controversy began when Ramdev, while promoting Patanjali’s rose sharbat, made comments implying that proceeds from Rooh Afza sales were used to fund mosques and madrasas, coining the term “sharbat jihad.” These remarks led Hamdard to file a suit alleging trademark infringement, disparagement, and defamation. Despite a previous court order on April 22 directing Ramdev to refrain from making such statements and to remove related content, he released another video with similar content, prompting the court’s latest warning.
Delhi High Court
Justice Bansal emphasized the seriousness of the matter, noting that the new video had garnered significant attention online, with nearly 900,000 views in a short span. He questioned Ramdev’s compliance with the court’s earlier order and indicated that contempt proceedings could be initiated if the offending content was not removed promptly. Ramdev’s counsel assured the court that the video would be taken down within the stipulated time frame.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for May 2, where it will review the affidavit of compliance to be filed by Ramdev. Hamdard continues to seek a permanent injunction against Patanjali to prevent further disparagement of its products.
