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Patanjali vs RoohAfza? Decoding the ‘Sharbat Jihad’ Row Involving Baba Ramdev

April 12, 2025, 4:58 pm

Baba Ramdev has stirred controversy once again with a video that recently went viral. While endorsing new rose-flavoured sharbat of Patanjali, he introduced the term ‘Sharbat Jihad’, sparking widespread debate.

In the promotional clip, Ramdev criticised a rival company believed to be Hamdard, the maker of RoohAfza claiming that proceeds from the sale of their beverage are being used to fund religious institutions. “There’s a company which provides you sharbat, but the earnings earned from it are used to build madrasas and mosques,” Ramdev alleged. “If you drink that sharbat, madrasas and mosques will be built. But if you drink this (Patanjali’s rose sharbat), gurukuls and Acharya Kulam will be built and established, and Patanjali University will come into existence.”

We got “Sharbat Jihad” before GTA VI ?? pic.twitter.com/qIuLrkhJxe

— Yash Tiwari (@DrYashTiwari) April 9, 2025

Making a provocative comparison, Ramdev said that just as ‘love jihad’, promoting some drinks is a ‘sharbat jihad’. He also asked netizens to share it widely so that people become aware.

The objectionable video was posted by the Facebook page ‘Patanjali Products’ with a Hindi caption which, when translated, cautioned viewers: “Save your family and innocent children from the toilet cleaner poison sold in the name of ‘sharbat jihad’ and cold drinks. Take only Patanjali sharbat and juices home.”

Hamdard Responds

Though Hamdard did not specifically mention Ramdev or Patanjali, the firm seemingly replied through X (formerly Twitter). Highlighting its dedication to quality, Hamdard pointed out that it follows strict food safety systems like the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and the Food Safety Management System (FSMS).

Furthermore, the company assured its customers that RoohAfza is prepared using only FSSAI-approved herbs and natural ingredients, so it is not adulterated.

Every sip of RoohAfza is made with FSSAI-approved ingredients — from herbs to natural flavors — with no artificial adulteration. We’re committed to delivering quality and authenticity in every bottle.

Enjoy the refreshing taste you can trust! #HamdardRoohAfza #KnowYourRoohAfza pic.twitter.com/qmqxX0r1OT

— Hamdard Foods India (@HamdardFoods) April 10, 2025

Social Media Reactions

The internet soon got wind of the ‘Sharbat Jihad’ comment and got into a frenzy of reactions. Some readers remembered past occasions when Ramdev attacked other brands with new product launches. One of them wrote, “Baba ney toh Nestle Maggie mein bhi khaami batai thi jab inka koi naya product aata hai toh yeh aise hi afwah felate hai.” (Baba had also spoken of flaws in Nestle Maggie. Whenever there is a new product of his, he does this kind of spreading of rumors.)

Baba ney toh Nestle Maggie mein bhi khaami batai thi jab inka koi naya product aata hai toh yeh aise hi afwah felate hai

— aradhya_xulfi (@Aradhya99Dev) April 10, 2025

Political cartoonist Satish Acharya too joined the discussion, posting a satirical cartoon called ‘Bottled Hatred’ which severely criticized the rhetoric.

Sale Sale! Bottled Hatred! #sharbat pic.twitter.com/CFvejrovLk

— Satish Acharya (@satishacharya) April 11, 2025

Legal Trouble for Patanjali

This isn’t the first time Patanjali and its founders have come under legal scrutiny. In recent months, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) filed a plea in the Supreme Court against Patanjali Ayurved, accusing the brand of misleading advertisements. The court responded by temporarily halting Patanjali’s ads and issuing contempt notices.

Earlier this year, a Kerala court issued bailable warrants against Ramdev and Patanjali MD Acharya Balkrishna for not appearing in a case regarding fraudulent marketing practices by Divya Pharmacy, a Patanjali group affiliate. A similar case was filed in Kozhikode.

Patanjali Halts Sale of 14 Products After Uttarakhand Suspends Licenses

July 9, 2024, 4:50 pm

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd Tuesday informed the Supreme Court that it had withdrawn 14 products from the market following suspension of its licenses for their manufacture with immediate effect by the Uttarakhand authorities. It has also directed 5,606 franchise shops to return these products, the firm said. “Besides, the media platforms have been asked to withdraw advertisements of these 14 products in all formats,” Patanjali said.

A division bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Sandeep Mehta posted the case for hearing on July 30.

The Uttarakhand state licensing authority, in an affidavit, said suspension was because of “repeated violations” of Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. On April 30, the authority suspended inadinite manufacturing licenses of 14 products made by Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd and Divya Pharmacy with immediate effect.

Here is the list of products whose licenses were withdrawn:
Swasari Gold
Swasari Vati
Bronchom
Swasari Pravahi
Swasari Avaleh
MuktaVati Extra Power
Lipidom
Bp Grit
Madhugrit
MadhunashiniVati Extra Power
Livamrit Advance
Livogrit
Eyegrit Gold
Patanjali Drishti Eye Drop

The Supreme Court is hearing a petition of the Indian Medical Association, that has accused Patanjali of running a negative campaign against Covid vaccination efforts and modern medical practices.

Patanjali Faces Double Blow: DGCI Imposes Rs. 27.5 Crore Penalty

May 1, 2024, 11:26 am

In a significant setback for Patanjali, the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) in Chandigarh has levied a substantial penalty of Rs 27.5 crore on Patanjali Foods for an irregularity related to Input Tax Credit (ITC). This development comes just a day after the Uttarakhand government suspended licenses for 14 products sold by the Ramdev-led Patanjali Ayurved and Divya Pharmacy, including popular items like Swasari Gold, Mukta Vati Extra Power, and BP Grit.

The penalty imposed by DGGI Chandigarh is linked to the identification of a Rs 20 crore irregularity in ITC, according to GST officials. They explained that in cases of fake ITC claims, a penalty can be imposed up to the amount of the ITC claim, along with interest. In this instance, the erroneous ITC claim was Rs 20 crore, leading to a penalty amount of Rs 27.5 crore, inclusive of interest, resulting in a total penalty of Rs 47.5 crore. Despite efforts by TOI, Patanjali officials declined to comment on the matter.

Simultaneously, the legal conflict escalated as Uttarakhand suspended licenses for 14 Patanjali products, including those mentioned earlier. The state government also requested the formula for these drugs from Patanjali. S K Tijarawala, the media in-charge for Patanjali Ayurved, stated to TOI, “We will respond to the notice issued by the state government and pursue legal options regarding the actions taken against us.”

Another Setback for Ramdev as Uttarakhand Suspends Licenses of 14 Patanjali Products

April 29, 2024, 11:47 pm

The licensing authority in Uttarakhand has reportedly suspended the manufacturing permits for 14 products produced by Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali’s Divya Pharmacy due to the repeated dissemination of misleading advertisements regarding their effectiveness.

Additionally, a criminal complaint has allegedly been lodged against Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna, and Patanjali for breaching the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act.

This ruling represents another setback for Ramdev, whose television shows, yoga treatments, and traditional medicinal offerings have garnered him significant popularity.

In recent weeks, the Supreme Court of India has rebuked Ramdev multiple times for failing to comply with its directives in an ongoing lawsuit aimed at halting the dissemination of misleading advertisements for some of his traditional Ayurvedic medicines. The manufacturing permits for Ramdev’s companies were suspended in an order dated April 15 by the traditional medicine drug regulator in Uttarakhand. However, the specifics of the order have not been made public yet, according to Reuters.

The manufacturing permits have been “suspended with immediate effect,” as stated in the order issued by Mithilesh Kumar of the state regulator.

The case against Ramdev in the Supreme Court stems from allegations by the Indian Medical Association that his company, Patanjali Ayurved, disparages conventional medicines and continues to publish misleading ads despite a court order to cease.

Ramdev has acknowledged his wrongdoing and his company has issued newspaper advertisements apologizing to the public. In recent weeks, he has appeared before the judges of the Supreme Court clad in his signature saffron-colored robe, seeking forgiveness. However, the judges have thus far not accepted his apology, and they are deliberating whether to pursue contempt charges against Ramdev.

FMCGs also publishing misleading ads taking public for a ride: SC

April 23, 2024, 12:43 pm

While hearing the Patanjali misleading ads case, the Supreme Court opined that these days FMCGs too are publishing misleading advertisements. Thus, making a fool out of the public. ”FMCGs also publishing misleading ads taking public for a ride” SC directs.

Patanjali’s misleading advertisements case | Supreme Court saying that FMCGs also publishing misleading ads taking public for a ride, in particular, affecting health of babies, school-going children and senior citizens who have been consuming their products. Court asks licensing…

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2024

Further talking about the effects of misleading ads, the Supreme Court has further declared that as a result, the health of people is under threat. Especially the vulnerable like babies, school-going children and senior citizens. Who are the customers of these products. “In particular, affecting health of babies, school-going children and senior citizens who have been consuming their products.”

To deal with this malady, the apex court had given directions to central ministries, to file affidavits in regard to the actions taken by on these misleading advertisements in the last three years. Further it has also asked the licensed authorities of the state and Union territories, to be impleaded in this case as parties.

Meanwhile further attacking the petitioner, The IMA, that with regard to the unethical practices, it needs to set its house on order. Especially those acts where prescribed medicines are expensive and unnecessary.

Later opining that it is not here to promote any party. It is here in the largest interest of the consumers or public on how they are being misled. And their entitlement to know the truth and what steps they can take on their behalf.

What is the Root of this Case?

The Supreme court is hearing on a contempt of court case involving Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna on the misleading ads disseminated by the Patanjali ayurved on 23rd April 2024.

The petitioner Indian Medical association has accused the ayurved company for the propagation of smear campaign against modern medicines and Covid-19 vaccination drives. One of the biggest allegations made by the IMA was the during its promotion, the Patanjali claimed that they can cure diseases like Covid-19 without giving any evidence.

Which violates the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. Which prohibits the advertising of magical & miraculous properties that claim to cure diseases and disorders. It’s punishment is the imprisonment up to 1 year or fine or both.

Patanjali Misleading Ads: SC asks Ramdev to place on record apology

April 23, 2024, 11:47 am

The Supreme Court asks Ramdev, Patanjali Ayurved Ltd MD to place on record apology published in newspapers within two days.

‘Additional ad to be issued tendering unqualified apology for lapses on their part’ Counsel for Ramdev, Balkrishna tells Supreme Court.

Yog Guru Baba Ramdev arrived in the morning at the Supreme Court on Tuesday to attend the hearing of contempt of court against Acharya Balkrishna and himself in the case of misleading ads. They are recently under the radar for claims that their medicinal products cure diseases or ailments.

#WATCH | Yog guru Baba Ramdev arrived at the Supreme Court to attend the hearing relating to misleading advertisements by Patanjali Ayurved. pic.twitter.com/JtBsSSaYMr

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2024

The Supreme court is hearing the case which was filed by Indian Medical Association (IMA). Claiming that a smear campaign was undertaken by the Ayurved company against the vaccination of covid-19 and modern medicines.

Earlier too in its last hearing of 16th April, the top court questioned yoga guru Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd MD Acharya Balkrishna for their apologies saying ““You are doing it because you have no option left.”

Meanwhile, the apex court also questioned the petitioner, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), for the supposed promotion of Allopathy by some of its doctors. The court also opined that while the IMA is busy pointing fingers towards Patanjali, four fingers are also being pointed towards it. “Your (IMA) doctors are also endorsing medicines in the allopathic field. If that’s happening, why should we not turn the beam at you (IMA)?”

Supreme Court Upholds Service Tax on Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust for Yoga Camps

April 21, 2024, 4:49 pm

The Supreme Court dealt a blow to the Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust, upholding an appellate tribunal’s decision that the organization must pay service tax for levying an entry fee for its Yoga camps, whether residential or non-residential.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan declined to intervene in the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal’s (CESTAT) ruling of October 5, 2023, from the Allahabad bench.

In its dismissal of the Trust’s appeal, the bench stated, “The tribunal has rightly held that Yoga in camps for a fee is a service. We do not find any reason to interfere with the impugned order. The appeal is dismissed.” CESTAT had determined that Yoga camps organized by Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust, which charges fees for participation, fall under the category of “health and fitness service” and are subject to service tax.

CESTAT observed that the Trust, led by Yoga guru Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, provided Yoga training at various residential and non-residential camps, collecting fees from participants in the form of donations.

“Though this amount was collected as a donation, it was fees for providing the said services and hence covered under the definition of consideration,” CESTAT noted. The Customs and Central Excise Commissioner, Meerut range, demanded service tax of approximately Rs 4.5 crore for the period October 2006 to March 2011, along with penalty and interest.

The Trust argued in its defense that it provided services aimed at curing ailments, which it contended were not taxable under “health and fitness service.”

However, the appellate tribunal found that the Trust’s activities fell under the taxable category of services provided by health clubs and fitness centers. It noted that instructions on Yoga and Meditation at these camps were imparted to the entire gathering, not to individuals, and that no prescriptions were issued for individual diagnosis or treatment.

The tribunal also observed that the Trust collected entry fees under the guise of donations, issuing tickets of various denominations that granted different privileges depending on the ticket’s value. In return, attendees were granted entry to the camp for instructions by Swami Baba Ramdev on Yoga and Meditation.

Patanjali Ayurved MD Acharya Balkrishna submits unqualified apology to Supreme Court over alleged misleading ads

March 21, 2024, 11:20 am

Patanjali Ayurved Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna has tendered an unqualified apology in the Supreme Court over alleged misleading advertisements.

In an affidavit, Patanjali Ayurved Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna said that he submits an unqualified apology before the top court for the breach of the statement recorded in the order copy of the top court dated November 21, 2023.

Acharya Balkrishna said that he will ensure that such advertisements are not issued in the future and submits that its intention is only to exhort the citizens of this country to lead a healthier life by consuming products of the Ayurvedic company, including products for lifestyle ailments, through the use of age-old literature and materials supplemented and backed by Ayurvedic research.

“The deponent regrets that the advertisement in question, which was meant to contain only general statements, inadvertently included the offending sentences. The same was bona-fide and added to the routine course by the media department of the Respondent No. 5 Company. The personnel of the media department of the Respondent No. 5 Company were not cognizant of the order dated November 21, 2023,” read the affidavit

Acharya Balkrishna further submitted that Schedule J of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, read with the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1955, is in an archaic state and the last changes were introduced in 1996. The Drug & Cosmetic Act, 1940, was passed when scientific evidence in Ayurveda research was lacking.

The Ayurvedic Company now possesses evidence-based scientific data with clinical research conducted in Ayurveda, which would demonstrate the advances made through scientific research in the context of diseases mentioned in the said schedule. In light of the same, it is humbly submitted that the deponent’s only quest is for a better and healthier life for each and every citizen and to reduce the burden on the country’s healthcare infrastructure by providing holistic, evidence-based solutions for lifestyle-related medical complications through the use of the age-old traditional approaches of Ayurveda and Yoga, the affidavit said.

In fact, the idea was to promote the Ayurvedic products, which are based on age-old literature/material backed by scientific research, the affidavit said.

The affidavit came as a response to the SC’s earlier order, whereby the court sought from Patanjali Ayurveda Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna a response to the show cause notice in contempt proceedings against him over alleged misleading advertisements of Patanjali Ayurved.

In the earlier hearing, the top court issued notice to Ayurvedic Company, asking it to show cause why contempt of action should not be initiated against the company and its managing director for giving misleading advertisements.

The top court had observed that the ayurvedic company has prima facie violated the top court’s order dated November 20, 2023, where it cautioned against misleading advertisements about its medicines.

The court had also restrained the Ayurvedic Company (Patanjali Ayurved) from advertising or branding their products specified as treating disease under the drug norms and also cautioned it from making any statements against any system of medicine in the media.

The court’s observation came when it noted that the company has given alleged misleading advertisements.

The court was dealing with an Indian Medical Association plea seeking to frame guidelines for prohibiting false and misleading advertisements in relation to allopathy and modern medicine.

IMA, a registered society, has more than 3,30,000 medical doctors as its members all over the country.

The petition also raised the issue of the campaign of misguidance, misinformation and disparagement against the modern system of medicine.

IMA, in its plea, had sought to pass an order directing the Center and others to immediately take strict and prompt action, in accordance with law, for the violation of the provisions of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945 and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 by the repeated acts of omission and commission of Respondent Patanjali Ayurved Ltd., including by publishing advertisements all over the country making illegal and prohibited claims.

SC issues summon to Guru Ramdev over Patanjali’s deceptive advertisement

March 19, 2024, 12:44 pm

The Supreme Court has strongly reprimanded Patanjali Ayurved today for its failure to address a contempt notice regarding misleading advertisements and has directed yoga guru Ramdev to present himself before the court.

A bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah has also summoned the Managing Director of Patanjali, Acharya Balkrishna.

Last month, the Supreme Court criticized Patanjali for apparently violating the commitment it made in court regarding its products and claims about their medicinal effectiveness.

The court had served a notice to Patanjali and Balkrishna, questioning why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them. However, Patanjali did not respond to the notice.

“Why have you not submitted your response yet? We will require the managing director to appear in court for the next hearing,” the Supreme Court stated on Tuesday.

The order highlights that both Ramdev and Balkrishna are prima facie in violation of Sections 3 and 4 of the Drugs and Remedies Act, which pertain to misleading advertisements of medicines.

Furthermore, the court has issued a contempt notice to Ramdev, the co-founder of Patanjali, and has asked for an explanation as to why action for contempt of court should not be taken against him.

Over 4% dip in Patanjali’s shares after Supreme Court’s notice to the Ramdev-led Ayurved Giant

February 28, 2024, 2:51 pm

Following the Supreme Court’s contempt notice to Patanjali, the company’s shares fell by 4.13 per cent, on Wednesday, to hit a low price of Rs 1,555. The price came down by 10.58 per cent from its record high of Rs 1741 observed in the last year.

The apex court, on Tuesday, served a notice to Patanjali Ayurved and its founders to put a temporary ban on its highly misleading ads claiming to completely cure diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, asthma and obesity.

This came after the court observed that the FMCG company had violated its previous ruling which banned Patanjali from issuing such misleading ads. The court also rapped the centre saying, “The government is sitting with its eyes closed while the entire country was taken for a ride.”

Meanwhile, the Ramdev-led Patanjali Foods said, “The observations of the Supreme Court of India do not relate to the company as it is an independent listed entity and operates in the space of edible oil and food FMCG products only.” Further insisting that the business operations wouldn’t be impacted by the top court’s decision.

The yesterday’s notice came as a response to the plea filed by the Indian Medical Association against the Ramdev-led Ayurved giant for carrying a campaign against allopathic medicines.

Patanjali is going to float 4 IPOs and expects Rs. 1 lakh crore turnover in next five years, according to Baba Ramdev

September 16, 2022, 1:43 pm

Yoga guru and Patanjali founder Baba Ramdev announced on Friday that Patanjali Ayurved will float four initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market. During a press conference, Ramdev said the IPOs of Patanjali Ayurved, Patanjali Wellness, Patanjali Medicine, and Patanjali Lifestyle will be floated.He also said that the turnover is set to reach Rs. 1 lakh crore over the next five years. Currently only Patanjali Foods Ltd., which is one of the groups of the company, is listed in the stock market. Patanjali Foods Ltd. was acquired from an edible oil company named Ruchi Soya Industries in 2019 and named Patanjali Foods Ltd. this year.During the presser, Ramdev alleged a conspiracy to discredit Patanjali Ayurved. He claimed that despite falsehoods and a vicious campaign run against him, people are not ready to believe that Patanjali can do anything wrong.