New Delhi: Baba Ramdev had recently landed in trouble for his controversial ‘sherbet jihad’ remarks, for which he was taken to court by Hamdard, the makers of popular squash drink Rooh Afza.
Despite being pulled up and prohibited from making such statements, Ramdev defied the court’s directions and released a fresh video repeating his ‘sherbet jihad’ comment against Rooh Afza.
On Thursday, the Delhi High Court warned the yoga guru that he would be issued notice for contempt of court for non-compliance of its April 22 direction unless he took down the offending portions of the video.
Irked by Ramdev’s repeated defiance, Justice Amit Bansal observed, “He (Ramdev) is not in control of anyone. He lives in his own world.”
Hamdard National Foundation (India) had filed a petition against Ramdev and Patanjali Foods Ltd over objectionable statements made while promoting Patanjali’s ‘gulab sherbet’.
In the promotional video, Ramdev said without naming Hamdard, “A company uses money earned from selling sherbet to build mosques and madrasas. If you drink that sherbet, mosques and madrasas will be built. But if you drink Patanjali rose sherbet, gurukuls and Patanjali university will be built. Like love jihad and vote jihad, a sherbet jihad is also on.”
Ramdev’s comments ‘sherbet jihad’ comment drew sharp criticism from the court during the April 22 hearing.
“It shocks the conscience of the court. This is indefensible,” Justice Bansal had said.
Ramdev had assured the court he would take down all related videos and advertisements, and was directed to file an affidavit confirming that he would refrain from making such statements in the future.
However, the high court was unconvinced with the latest video and Ramdev’s defence that he hadn’t taken the name of any brand.
“I don’t care about his political views. I am concerned with the suit. How do we ensure compliance… that he does not refer to their name, their goods?” Justice Bansal asked.
Senior advocate Rajiv Nayyar, who represented Ramdev, said there cannot be a permanent gag order against the yoga guru.
The court responded, “If that is the stance, then we will issue contempt notices. The tone and tenor of the new video are almost similar.”
Later, Nayyar said his client had agreed to delete the controversial portion of the video from all public platforms, including social media, within 24 hours as directed by the court.
Justice Bansal recorded the fresh undertaking in his order and posted the matter for May 2 to consider Ramdev’s compliance with its April 22 order.
