HC accepts Ramdev undertaking, closes sharbat defamation case

NEW DELHI: Delhi HC Friday closed a defamation case against yoga guru Ramdev , accepting a written undertaking by him that he would not make any further disparaging remarks against Hamdard's Rooh Afza. Justice Amit Bansal said the statements of Ramdev and Patanjali Foods Ltd in their affidavits were binding on them and decreed the suit in favour of Hamdard.

HC had earlier ordered removal of controversial online content posted by Ramdev and his firm Patanjali, and asked for the undertaking that such slanderous remarks would not be repeated.

Hamdard had sued Ramdev and Patanjali Foods Ltd, saying the yoga guru had falsely claimed that earnings from Hamdard's Rooh Afza were used to build madrasas and mosques as part of a " sharbat jihad ". The court had termed the remarks indefensible and said they "shook its conscience".

Last month, HC had sought an affidavit from Ramdev and Patanjali that they would not issue such statements through social media posts and disparaging videos/ads against products of competitors, including those of Hamdard. Ramdev had promised to comply.