HC raps Ramdev over new Hamdard video

The Delhi High Court on Thursday ordered yoga guru Ramdev to remove within 24 hours an offensive video targeting Hamdard, manufacturers of Rooh Afza, from social media platforms after he was accused of contempt in a row over his controversial "sharbat jihad" remarks against the drink.

The court had previously ordered him not to issue any statement or share videos in future similar to those before it and relating to products of competitors, including Hamdard.

On Thursday, however, Hamdard's counsel informed the court that Ramdev again published a video containing offensive content.

Ramdev, as a result, was ordered to take down the offending portion of the video which referred to Hamdard and its products "within 24 hours from all social media platforms and other media".

"In view of the last order, this video and the affidavit you have filed are prima facie in contempt. I will issue a contempt notice now. We are just calling him here," Justice Amit Bansal said.

The judge added, "He (Ramdev) is not in control of anyone. He lives in his own world."

The court was hearing a plea filed by Hamdard National Foundation India against Ramdev and his Patanjali Foods Ltd over the controversial remarks.

After the court warned of initiating contempt action against Ramdev, his lawyer assured the objectionable content would be deleted from the video within 24 hours from YouTube, other social media platforms and any other media where it was published either by him or his company.

The court asked Ramdev to file an affidavit of compliance of its order within a week and posted the matter on May 2.

On April 22, the court said Ramdev's remark of "sharbat jihad" on Hamdard's Rooh Afza shook its conscience and was indefensible, prompting the yoga guru to assure he would immediately take down the related videos and social media posts.

The counsel for Hamdard claimed while promoting Patanjali's "gulab sharbat", Ramdev alleged the money earned from Hamdard's Rooh Afza was used to build madrasas and mosques.