Ramdev Baba in Trouble as Court Slams “Rooh Afza” Jibe, Condemns “Sharbat Jihad” Remark in Patanjali Ad Row.

Unmesh Gujarathi

Sprouts News Exclusive

The Delhi High Court has strongly reprimanded Patanjali founder Ramdev Baba for his controversial “Sharbat Jihad” comment targeting the well-known ‘Rooh Afza’ brand. Justice Amit Bansal directed Baba to submit an affidavit within five days, committing not to issue any such inflammatory statements, advertisements, or social media posts in the future. The court noted that misleading and divisive marketing tactics seriously undermine social trust and public ethics.

Justice Bansal expressed deep concern, stating that the advertisement was so misleading that it strained the bounds of belief. He emphasized that such promotions, which harm the very principles of conscience, cannot be defended. Consequently, the court ordered the immediate withdrawal of the controversial advertisement. Ramdev Baba, appearing before the court, apologized and promised to retract the material.

The issue originated when Patanjali launched a new sherbet product positioned as a direct competitor to Hamdard’s iconic ‘Rooh Afza’. In a promotional message, Ramdev Baba made a provocative claim that profits from Rooh Afza sales were used for building mosques and madrasas. This statement led Hamdard Laboratories to file a legal challenge, asserting that Patanjali’s campaign was not only defamatory but also detrimental to communal harmony.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Hamdard, argued that the advertisement was designed to incite division and spread misinformation. The court agreed, observing that such actions could have far-reaching negative consequences on social cohesion. Maintaining integrity in commercial communication is crucial, especially when public trust is involved.

During the hearing, Patanjali’s senior counsel Rajiv Nayar defended Ramdev Baba, arguing that the remarks were personal views and not official corporate messaging. However, Justice Bansal dismissed this claim, emphasizing that public personalities cannot misuse their influence to circulate potentially harmful opinions under the guise of personal speech.

The court underscored that corporate leaders must exercise caution in public discourse. It firmly warned that opinions capable of provoking religious hostility must remain private and should not be publicly disseminated.

Sprouts News Special Investigation Team, over the past five years, has published detailed reports exposing Patanjali’s declining product standards, false advertising commitments, and Ramdev Baba’s double standard policies. This latest legal development further validates those investigations and highlights the importance of regulatory vigilance over misleading marketing practices.

The next hearing in this matter is scheduled for May 1. The case continues to attract national attention, reinforcing the growing demand for ethical standards in branding, advertising, and corporate conduct.