Has the Delhi HC Closed the Suit Against Ramdev and Patanjali?

New Delhi, May 9 (NationPress) The Delhi High Court has officially concluded a lawsuit initiated by the pharmaceutical and food giant Hamdard, which sought to eliminate the controversial videos from Baba Ramdev, the founder of Patanjali, that allegedly connected the company's famous beverage Rooh Afza with 'Sharbat Jihad'.

Justice Amit Bansal, presiding over a single-judge Bench, acknowledged the affidavit submitted by Yoga guru Ramdev and Patanjali, confirming that the contentious videos have been removed from all social media channels.

Just last week, Justice Bansal criticized Ramdev after learning that he had released another objectionable video against Hamdard, despite his prior promise to refrain from making such statements, advertisements, and social media posts in the future.

Indicating that the latest video was arguably contemptuous, the Delhi High Court hinted at the issuance of a contempt notice to Ramdev and summoned him to appear. In anticipation of an unfavorable ruling, Ramdev's legal counsel agreed to delete the contentious portions within 24 hours across all social media platforms.

While endorsing Patanjali's 'Gulab Sharbat', Ramdev alleged that Hamdard, the parent company of Rooh Afza, was utilizing its profits to construct mosques and madrasas. He subsequently defended his remarks, asserting that he did not mention any specific brand or community.

During a prior hearing regarding Hamdard's injunction request related to an earlier video where Ramdev allegedly linked Rooh Afza with 'Sharbat Jihad', the Delhi HC had criticized the Yoga guru for employing communal slurs. "This is shocking to the court's conscience. It is indefensible," stated Justice Bansal.

After the Delhi HC indicated a strong ruling, Ramdev's counsel consented to remove the disputed video and advertisements. The court instructed Ramdev to file an affidavit confirming that he would not release such statements, advertisements, or social media posts in the future, scheduling the matter for further discussion on May 1.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Hamdard, emphasized that such videos should not be permitted "even for a moment," noting that Ramdev had previously targeted the herbal health company Himalaya due to its Muslim ownership.

Rohatgi referenced the contempt proceedings initiated by the Supreme Court against Ramdev and Acharya Balakrishna, Managing Director of Patanjali Ayurved, over their continued dissemination of misleading advertisements and their criticisms of allopathy.

In August of last year, both were absolved of contempt of court charges after they offered a personal apology to the Supreme Court and published a public apology in major newspapers.