The Delhi High Court on Friday closed a defamation suit filed by Hamdard National Foundation against Patanjali founder Baba Ramdev, following his compliance with court directions to remove objectionable videos and refrain from making communal remarks.

The suit stemmed from a video posted by Ramdev on April 3, in which he promoted Patanjali's Gulab Sharbat while targeting Hamdard’s popular beverage Rooh Afza. In the video, Ramdev alleged that proceeds from Hamdard’s products were being used to fund mosques and madrasas, and controversially used the term "sharbat jihad."

The matter first came up for hearing on April 22 before Justice Amit Bansal, who expressed strong disapproval of the video content. “I could not believe my eyes and ears when I saw this,” the judge said, calling Ramdev’s remarks “indefensible” and shocking to the court’s conscience.

Following the court’s warning of stringent action, Ramdev’s counsel assured that all objectionable advertisements and videos—whether in print or digital format—would be taken down. The Court also directed Ramdev to file an affidavit undertaking that no such statements or content would be issued in the future.

However, on May 1, the Court was informed that Ramdev had uploaded another video containing similar remarks. The Court then warned of contempt proceedings and a possible summons, prompting Ramdev’s counsel to agree to remove the objectionable portions within 24 hours from all platforms.

During the final hearing, the Court was informed that the defendants had complied with its earlier directions. As noted by Justice Bansal:

“Pursuant to the order passed in the suit, affidavits have been filed on behalf of the defendants binding them to the averments made in it. Counsel for the plaintiff does not press for more reliefs. The present suit is decreed.”

Senior Advocates AS Chandhiok and Sandeep Sethi, along with Advocates Pravin Anand, Dhruv Anand, and others, represented Hamdard. Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar appeared for Ramdev and Patanjali.