The controversy began a few weeks back, when Ramdev, in a video, alleged that the money made from a sharbat brand was being used to build madrasas and mosques by a company
After yoga guru Ramdev stirred controversy with his ‘sharbat jihad’ remarks against Hamdard’s popular drink, Rooh Afza, the Delhi High Court (HC) has slammed Ramdev and orally remarked that his statements were indefensible. Now, Patanjali Foods has informed the court that it will be taking down all advertisements against Rooh Afza, as per the reports.
Representing Ramdev and Patanjali Foods, senior advocate Rajiv Nayar made the submission before Justice Amit Bansal. The court was hearing Hamdard’s suit against Ramdev and Patanjali over the controversial remarks.
The controversy began a few weeks back, when Ramdev, in a video, alleged that the money made from Hamdard’s Rooh Afza was being used to build madrasas and mosques. In his defence, Ramdev stated that he never took the name of any brand or community, as per the reports. While promoting his ‘Rose Sharbat’ product, Ramdev added, “Just like there is love jihad and vote jihad, there is a sharbat jihad going on as well.”
Following this, Hamdard filed a suit against Ramdev in the Delhi High Court. Representing Hamdard, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi told the court that this is a shocking case which goes beyond disparagement. Rohatgi added that this is a case of creating a communal divide, akin to hate speech, as per the reports.
On the hand, Nayar submitted that his clients were not against any religion, to which the court stated that the aforesaid stand should come on an affidavit. Later, Nayar told the court that all the related advertisements, whether in print or video, will be taken down.
The reports added that Ramdev has been asked by the court to place on record an affidavit undertaking that he shall not issue any social media posts, advertisements or statements in the future which Hamdard is aggrieved of.
