Baba Ramdev assures Delhi HC of removing ‘Sharbat Jihad’ advertisement

NEW DELHI: Yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Monday assured the Delhi High Court that all videos and social media posts containing his controversial “Sharbat Jihad” remark will be taken down. The assurance comes in response to a legal suit filed by Hamdard, the makers of the popular drink Rooh Afza, who objected to Ramdev’s statements.

The controversy arose after Ramdev, in a video, allegedly accused Hamdard of using its profits to fund the construction of mosques and madrasas, referring to the drink as part of a so-called “sharbat jihad”. These remarks were widely criticised for their communal undertones and were deemed by Hamdard as an attempt to create a “communal divide” while disparaging their product.

It shocks the conscience of court. This is indefensible: Delhi High Court slams Baba Ramdev for remarks against Hamdard and Rooh Afza pic.twitter.com/cP1WOCGLsH

— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) April 22, 2025

During the hearing, Justice Amit Bansal of the Delhi High Court expressed strong disapproval of the remarks and said, “When I saw this ad, I could not believe my ears and eyes.” Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar, representing Patanjali and Baba Ramdev, informed the court that the controversial videos would be removed.

The court, however, directed Ramdev to submit an affidavit affirming that he would refrain from making such statements in the future. Remarking on the matter, the court stated, “He can keep these thoughts in his mind, but should not express them”, as it scheduled the next hearing for May 1. The case highlights the growing concerns over the use of communal rhetoric in public discourse and its potential to harm social harmony.

On April 3, Baba Ramdev stirred controversy while promoting his company’s product, Gulaab Sharbat. In a video, he allegedly criticised Hamdard’s Rooh Afza, alleging that the company was diverting its funds toward the construction of mosques and madrasas. Ramdev further referred to the drink as part of a “sharbat jihad.”

Senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Sandeep Sethi represented Hamdard as plaintiffs in the case. (ANI)