New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday strongly criticised Patanjali founder and yoga guru Ramdev for his controversial “Sharbat Jihad” remark allegedly directed at Hamdard Laboratories' iconic drink, Rooh Afza. The court described the comments as “indefensible” and said they “shock the conscience of the court”.

The remarks were made by Justice Amit Bansal while hearing a defamation suit filed by Hamdard Laboratories. The company has accused Ramdev of making defamatory and communal statements aimed at its product.

On 3 April, Ramdev reportedly claimed that Hamdard was funnelling money earned from products like Rooh Afza towards the construction of mosques and madrasas. Following the remarks, Hamdard approached the High Court, asserting that the statements were not only false but also communal in nature.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Hamdard, told the court, “This case goes beyond product disparagement — it amounts to creating a communal divide, akin to hate speech. Such speech does not receive protection under defamation laws.”

Rohatgi further argued that such remarks contribute to an already fragile social climate. “This should not be even allowed for a moment. We have enough problems in this country,” he was quoted as saying by Bar and Bench.

The court has directed Ramdev's legal counsel to be present as the matter proceeds and has passed over the case for further hearing.

The case has drawn significant attention, especially amid increasing scrutiny over hate speech and the role of public figures in fuelling communal narratives.