Won’t issue offensive content against Hamdard: Ramdev to HC

On Friday, Hamdard’s counsel pointed out to Justice Amit Bansal that the fresh video has not been taken down despite an undertaking by Ramdev to do so.

Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar, representing Baba Ramdev, however, submitted before the court that the new video has been taken down. He added that they have also submitted an affidavit undertaking that Baba Ramdev shall not issue any such statements, advertisements or social media posts in the future against Hamdard and that “we have great respect for the courts.”

Hamdard’s counsel pointed out that the video on YouTube has been merely moved to private mode and subscribers can still view it, and that it also remains available on Aastha channel.

The matter will be heard next on May 9.

On Thursday, Baba Ramdev had told the Delhi HC that he would take down the relevant portion from all social media platforms and other media after HC warned of issuing a contempt notice to him.

This was the second time in 10 days that Baba Ramdev has offered to take down such videos.

On April 22, Hamdard had moved a suit claiming trademark infringement, disparagement and defamation. The HC had directed Ramdev to take down the initial video, in which he allegedly referred to Rooh Afza as “sharbat jihad”.

That video also showed Ramdev allegedly claiming that his competitor’s profits were used “for building masjids and madrasas”. At the time, the HC had directed Ramdev to also file an affidavit stating he would not issue any such statements, ads or social media posts in the future.