Yoga guru Ramdev is facing sharp legal backlash after the Delhi High Court expressed strong displeasure over a video in which he made controversial remarks indirectly referring to Rooh Afza. The court, while hearing a plea filed by the product’s manufacturer Hamdard, called Ramdev’s comments “indefensible” and said they shocked the conscience of the court.

Allegations over communal insinuation

In a promotional video for Patanjali’s rose-flavoured sherbet, Ramdev claimed that proceeds from a rival sherbet brand were allegedly used to fund mosques and madrasas. Without naming any specific product, he urged viewers to choose Patanjali’s alternative, claiming it would support traditional Indian educational institutions like gurukuls.

The remark stirred controversy, as he likened this marketing angle to terms like “love jihad” and “vote jihad”, coining a new phrase — “sherbet jihad”.

Following this, Hamdard moved the Delhi High Court, asserting that the comments not only hurt the reputation of its iconic product Rooh Afza but also promoted communal division. The company demanded that the video be taken down from all social media platforms.

Ramdev’s counsel promises withdrawal

The court proceedings witnessed initial absence from Ramdev’s main counsel, prompting Justice Amit Bansal to issue a warning about the possible issuance of a strict order. Subsequently, senior lawyer Rajiv Nayar appeared and informed the court that Ramdev had already withdrawn the promotional material in question.

Despite this, the court directed Ramdev to provide a formal undertaking that no further remarks or content harming Hamdard’s interests would be released. An affidavit has been ordered to be submitted within a week. The next hearing has been scheduled for May 1.

Past controversies return to spotlight

During the hearing, the court was reminded of earlier instances where Ramdev and Patanjali faced criticism over exaggerated claims. One example includes the launch of Coronil during the pandemic, which was marketed as a COVID-19 cure. The claims were dismissed by medical bodies, and Patanjali faced proceedings for spreading misinformation.

Another legal challenge emerged in 2022 when Patanjali published advertisements attacking allopathy and praising its own medicines as cures for several chronic diseases. The Indian Medical Association called these claims dangerous and misleading, leading to another court intervention.

More than 400 houses were damaged, and two individuals sustained injuries as a result of heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms hit Tripura in the early hours of April 21. The inclement weather led to widespread destruction across multiple regions of the state.

According to an official statement, a total of 445 houses were affected—either fully, partially, or severely—due to the storm and torrential rainfall. The damage was reported from various districts, impacting both rural and semi-urban areas.

Two injured as houses collapse

In Karbook, located in the Gomati district, two people were injured when their homes collapsed. The victims have been identified as 70-year-old Nayan Kumar Tripura and 39-year-old Rumati Tripura. Both sustained injuries and are receiving medical care.

Electricity services disrupted

The storm also caused significant disruption in power supply across affected regions. As per the statement, 49 electric poles were damaged, leading to outages in many localities. Restoration efforts are underway to bring back normalcy in electricity connectivity.

No flood threat despite rainfall

Despite the heavy rains, officials confirmed that all major rivers in the state—including Gomati, Muhuri, and Feni—are flowing below danger levels, eliminating any immediate flood threat.

Authorities are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and relief measures are expected to be announced soon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to arrive in Jeddah on Tuesday afternoon at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister in four decades to visit the coastal Saudi city.

The high-profile visit underscores the strategic significance of Jeddah, historically a vital port for India-Saudi trade and the primary gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca. PM Modi’s itinerary includes co-chairing the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council with the Crown Prince, marking a key moment in advancing bilateral relations.

Focus on strategic MoUs and Haj-related cooperation

During the visit, India and Saudi Arabia are expected to sign at least six memoranda of understanding (MoUs) across crucial sectors such as energy, space, health, scientific research, culture, and advanced technology. According to official sources, several additional agreements are still under discussion, including those related to trade, investment, and defence, which may be finalised during last-minute talks in Riyadh.

A major agenda item is the discussion around the Haj pilgrimage. PM Modi is expected to take up matters concerning the Haj quota and logistical arrangements with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. India’s Haj quota for 2025 has increased significantly to 175,025 from 136,020 in 2014. However, approximately 42,000 pilgrims may miss the pilgrimage this year due to delays by Combined Haj Group Operators in finalising contracts.

Indian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, highlighted the historical and religious importance of Jeddah, stating, “Jeddah has always been central to the India-Saudi trade route and serves as the gateway to Mecca for Haj and Umrah pilgrims.”

Strengthening bilateral relations

Modi’s visit is a continuation of deepening strategic engagement that began with the establishment of the Strategic Partnership Council in 2019. The upcoming session aims to review and boost cooperation in key sectors, with both sides keen on building future-ready collaborations.

On Wednesday, the prime minister will also visit a local factory employing Indian workers, further symbolising the people-to-people and labour ties between the two nations. PM Modi was previously awarded Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honour in 2016, underlining the strong personal rapport with the kingdom’s leadership.