The Crossbill Team
The Delhi High Court on Monday (April 21) came down heavily on self-styled yoga guru and Patanjali founder Baba Ramdev for his controversial remarks linking Hamdard’s iconic beverage Rooh Afza to what he termed as “sharbat jihad.” In response to the court’s criticism, Ramdev has agreed to withdraw all related advertisements.
The court was hearing a defamation suit filed by Hamdard National Foundation (India), makers of Rooh Afza, against remarks made by Ramdev suggesting that the company was involved in a religious conspiracy through the sale of its product.
In promotional content for Patanjali’s rose-flavoured drink, Ramdev implied that proceeds from Rooh Afza sales were being used to fund the construction of mosques and madrasas.
“A company uses money earned from selling sherbet to build mosques and madrasas. If you drink that sherbet, mosques and madrasas will be built. But if you drink Patanjali rose sherbet, gurukuls and Patanjali university will be built,” Ramdev had said.
He went on to equate this with other controversial terms like “love jihad” and “vote jihad,” coining the phrase “sharbat jihad.”
Justice Amit Bansal, who was presiding over the matter, expressed strong disapproval, calling the remarks “indefensible” and “shocking to the conscience of the court,” according to Hindustan Times.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Hamdard, argued that Ramdev’s comments amounted to hate speech and were aimed at inciting communal sentiments under the guise of marketing.
Representing Patanjali and Ramdev, Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar contended that his clients held no animosity toward any religion.
The court, however, asked that this position be formally submitted via an affidavit. Complying with the court's direction, Nayar assured that all offending advertisements, whether in print or video form, would be withdrawn.
Justice Bansal directed Ramdev to file an affidavit within five days, undertaking not to make any similar statements or publish such advertisements in the future. The matter will next be heard on May 1.
The court was hearing a defamation suit filed by Hamdard National Foundation (India), makers of Rooh Afza, against remarks made by Ramdev suggesting that the company was involved in a religious conspiracy through the sale of its product.
In promotional content for Patanjali’s rose-flavoured drink, Ramdev implied that proceeds from Rooh Afza sales were being used to fund the construction of mosques and madrasas.
“A company uses money earned from selling sherbet to build mosques and madrasas. If you drink that sherbet, mosques and madrasas will be built. But if you drink Patanjali rose sherbet, gurukuls and Patanjali university will be built,” Ramdev had said.
He went on to equate this with other controversial terms like “love jihad” and “vote jihad,” coining the phrase “sharbat jihad.”
Justice Amit Bansal, who was presiding over the matter, expressed strong disapproval, calling the remarks “indefensible” and “shocking to the conscience of the court,” according to Hindustan Times.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Hamdard, argued that Ramdev’s comments amounted to hate speech and were aimed at inciting communal sentiments under the guise of marketing.
Representing Patanjali and Ramdev, Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar contended that his clients held no animosity toward any religion.
The court, however, asked that this position be formally submitted via an affidavit. Complying with the court's direction, Nayar assured that all offending advertisements, whether in print or video form, would be withdrawn.
Justice Bansal directed Ramdev to file an affidavit within five days, undertaking not to make any similar statements or publish such advertisements in the future. The matter will next be heard on May 1.
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment