Delhi High Court Slams Baba Ramdev Over "Sharbat Jihad" Comment: 'Unbelievable and Unforgivable'

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Delhi High Court has strongly criticized Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev's "Sharbat Jihad" statement against Hamdard's Rooh Afza, saying it shakes the conscience of the court and is completely unforgivable. The court's remarks came during a hearing on Hamdard's case against Ramdev.

Ramdev's Lawyer Apologizes

Ramdev's lawyer, Rajiv Nayyar, assured the court that all controversial advertisements would be removed and changes would be made. Nayyar stated that Ramdev is not against any religion and would not criticize competitors' products. However, Justice Amit Bansal emphasized that while Ramdev can hold his opinion, he cannot express it in a way that targets others.

Court Directives

The court directed Ramdev to file an affidavit within 5 days, undertaking not to make similar statements or advertisements in the future. The affidavit will be kept on record. The court will hear the case next on May 1.

Allegations Against Ramdev

Hamdard's senior advocate, Mukul Rohatgi, alleged that Ramdev's comments were an attack on the company based on religion, amounting to hate speech and creating communal divisions. Rohatgi also mentioned that Ramdev had previously faced criticism from the Supreme Court for targeting allopathy.

Background

The controversy began when Ramdev made remarks like "Sharbat Jihad" while promoting his company's product, Gulab Sharbat, on April 3. In a video, he allegedly targeted Hamdard's Rooh Afza, claiming that the company was using its money to build mosques and madrasas. Ramdev later clarified that he had not taken anyone's name.