New Delhi, May 1, 2025 – The Delhi High Court has come down heavily on yoga guru Ramdev for allegedly violating its earlier orders by reiterating his “sharbat jihad” allegations against Hamdard’s Rooh Afza brand in a new video.
Justice Amit Bansal, while hearing Hamdard National Foundation’s contempt plea, remarked that Ramdev “lives in his own world” and appears to be “not under anyone’s control.” The court noted that the fresh video bore the same tone and substance as the previous one, prompting it to consider contempt of court action.
The judge said, “In view of the last order, his affidavit, as well as this video, are prima facie in contempt.” Earlier, the court had directed Ramdev and Patanjali Foods Ltd to refrain from making any further derogatory statements about Rooh Afza and to remove existing content from all platforms.
Despite those directions, Hamdard’s counsel informed the court that Ramdev had issued another video with similar inflammatory remarks. In that clip, Ramdev had claimed that proceeds from Rooh Afza sales were being used to fund madrasas and mosques, and referred to the product as part of a “sharbat jihad.”
Ramdev’s counsel responded by assuring the court that the video would be removed from all digital and social media platforms within 24 hours. The court, reserving further judgment, has posted the matter for the next hearing on May 2.
The controversy has attracted national attention, with legal experts warning about the broader implications of public figures flouting court orders. The court’s strong words may serve as a warning against repeated defiance of judicial restraint in public discourse.
