If you’re drinking Rooh Afza, then you’re part of “Sharbat Jihad” or at least that’s what a crazy Indian yoga guru, Ramdev, wants people to think. The Hindu extremist’s comment aimed at Hamdard’s iconic drink has landed him in trouble.
The Delhi High Court didn’t mince words on Tuesday, calling Ramdev’s remarks “indefensible” and “shocking to the conscience of the court,” as it heard a defamation suit filed by Hamdard Laboratories.
Justice Amit Bansal’s stern warning came during proceedings where Ramdev’s counsel was urged to take immediate action or face a “strong order.”
In response, Ramdev promised to pull down all videos and social media posts containing the contentious “sharbat jihad” claim, which he made on April 3. The court has now asked him to file an affidavit within five days, pledging not to repeat such statements, with the next hearing set for May 1.
The controversy began when Ramdev accused Hamdard of using profits from Rooh Afza to fund mosques and madrasas, dubbing it “sharbat jihad” — a phrase that quickly ignited communal tensions.
Ramdev defended himself by saying he never named any brand but claimed Rooh Afza’s makers “took it on themselves.” He added that if the company supports Islamic institutions, they should be proud, but warned others to be cautious.
Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has also stepped in, filing a police complaint accusing Ramdev of spreading religious hatred and inciting communal disharmony.
Singh pointed to a video where Ramdev compared soft drinks to “toilet cleaner” and promoted Patanjali’s rose sharbat as a patriotic alternative supporting Hindu educational institutions.
