Ramdev’s ‘sharbat jihad’ remark shocks conscience: Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday said Baba Ramdev’s purported remark of “sharbat jihad” on Hamdard’s Rooh Afza “shocked its conscience” and was indefensible, prompting the Yoga guru to assure he will immediately take down related online content. The owner of Patanjali Ayurved made these remarks in a video while promoting Patanjali Foods’ sharbat drink.

Hamdard had moved the High Court against Patanjali Foods for the company’s disparaging advertisement targeting its popular drink Rooh Afza.

Justice Amit Bansal was hearing a plea of Hamdard National Foundation India against Ramdev’s Patanjali Foods Ltd and said, “It shocks the conscience of the court. It is indefensible. You (counsel for Ramdev) take instructions from your client otherwise there will be a strong order.” Following court’s warning, Ramdev’s counsel said all advertisements–print or video–aside from social media posts over the contentious remarks will be immediately taken down.

The court directed the counsel to file an affidavit on Ramdev’s behalf within five days stating that he will not issue any such statements, advertisements or social media posts in future concerning competitors’ products.

During the hearing, the counsel for Hamdard had apprised the court that recently, while promoting Patanjali’s ‘gulab sharbat’, Ramdev claimed that the money earned from Hamdard’s Rooh Afza was used to build madrasas and mosques. Arguing that the case had gone beyond disparagement, the counsel added that it was creating “communal divide”.

The matter is next listed for hearing for May 1.

Last year the Indian Medical Association (IMA) had filed a plea against Ramdev and Balakrishna for allegedly making misleading claims about the effectiveness and benefits of their products. Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balakrishna had to tender an unconditional apology and an undertaking that they will refrain from issuing misleading ads to the Supreme Court. 

Published on April 23, 2025