'Shocks Conscience': Delhi High Court On Baba Ramdev's 'Sharbat Jihad' Remark Against Hamdard Roohafza

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday orally remarked that Baba Ramdev's “Sharbat Jihad” remark against Hamdard's Rooh Afza shocked its conscience and was indefensible.

“It shocks the conscience of the Court. This is indefensible,” Justice Amit Bansal said while hearing Hamdard's suit against Ramdev.

Earlier this month, Ramdev, while promoting Patanjali's rose sharbat, claimed that the money earned from Hamdard's rooh afza is used to build madrasas and mosques. Later, Ramdev defended his remark and said that he did not name any brand or community.

Hamdard has filed the suit against Ramdev seeking removal of the Yoga Guru's videos on the remark from social media.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi appeared for Hamdard and submitted that it was a shocking case that not only goes beyond the disparagement of Rooh Afza product but also is a case of “communal divide.” He said that Ramdev's remarks is akin to a hate speech.

Rohatgi said that by his remarks, Ramdev has attacked Hamdard on the basis of religion as he named it “Sharbat Jihad.”

Rohatgi said that Ramdev has a well known name and can sell Patanjali's products without disparaging any other product.

On Ramdev's conduct, Rohatgi referred to Supreme Court proceedings wherein suo moto contempt was initiated against Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna and they were asked to issue a public apology for publishing misleading advertisements and making comments against Allopathic medicines in breach of undertaking given to the Court.

A proxy counsel appeared for Ramdev and sought a passover as the main counsel was appearing before NCLAT.

Justice Bansal asked the main counsel to appear at 12 PM and indicated that any failure will lead to the Court passing a “very strong order.” 

Update - After Delhi HC Slams 'Sharbat-Jihad' Remarks, Baba Ramdev Agrees To Take Down Video Against Rooh Afza