Baba Ramdev, on Thursday, agreed to remove a controversial video containing objectionable remarks against Hamdard National Foundation India's popular product, Rooh Afza. The move came after the Delhi High Court issued a strong warning and hinted at initiating contempt proceedings against the yoga guru.
Earlier in the day, Justice Amit Bansal expressed displeasure over a new video clip in which Ramdev had again made comments targeting Rooh Afza, despite the Court’s earlier restraint order. The Court had previously barred him from making any further statements, advertisements, or social media posts that referenced Hamdard or its products negatively.
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“You are prima facie in contempt,” the Court stated while calling for Ramdev’s personal appearance.
Following this stern stance by the Court, Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar appeared on behalf of Ramdev and Patanjali during the post-lunch hearing. Nayar informed the bench that, as per instructions, the offending portion of the video in question would be removed within 24 hours. This removal would apply to all social media platforms and other media where the video had been shared.
Acknowledging the statement, the Court directed Ramdev and Patanjali to comply and remove the objectionable content. The bench also scheduled a hearing on Hamdard's application for an ad-interim injunction for the following day.
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This legal development is part of the ongoing suit filed by Hamdard National Foundation India against Patanjali Ayurved and Ramdev. The case concerns Ramdev’s controversial “Sharbat Jihad” remark made earlier this month while endorsing Patanjali’s own rose sharbat.
In his statement, Ramdev had claimed that the revenue generated from the sale of Hamdard’s Rooh Afza was being used to build madrasas and mosques. The remark sparked controversy, drawing strong reactions from various sections.
“I never took any brand’s name or targeted any community,” Ramdev later claimed, defending his remark.
Despite this defense, Hamdard went ahead and filed the present suit seeking removal of videos and statements made by Ramdev regarding Rooh Afza from all online platforms.
During earlier hearings, the Court had taken a strict view of Ramdev’s remarks. Justice Amit Bansal had earlier commented:
“The remarks made were shocking to the conscience and are indefensible.”
The Court had clearly restrained Ramdev from making any further comments about the brand. The new video, however, triggered fresh legal action due to its apparent defiance of the Court’s earlier order.
The matter will now continue with the Court set to hear the plea for an ad-interim injunction. For now, Ramdev and Patanjali are required to remove the objectionable content from all platforms within the stipulated timeline.
Title: Hamdard National Foundation India v. Patanjali Food Limited & Anr.
