Yoga guru Baba Ramdev has sparked fresh controversy after calling for a boycott of a popular sharbat brand, alleging it is part of “Sharbat Jihad”. In a viral video, Ramdev claimed, “If you drink that sharbat, madrasas and mosques will be built. If you drink Patanjali syrup, Gurukuls will be built.”
He also referred to mainstream carbonated soft drinks as “toilet cleaner” in a promotional video, urging people to make a “conscious choice”. His remarks have triggered widespread criticism, with many accusing him of using communal and derogatory language to promote his products.
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev has stirred controversy by calling for a boycott of a sharbat company, alleging it's part of “Sharbat Jihad”. In a video that's gone viral, Ramdev said, “If you drink that sharbet, madrasas and mosques will be built. If you drink Patanjali syrup, Gurukuls… pic.twitter.com/vpiWNf4jNh
— The Observer Post (@TheObserverPost) April 10, 2025
This episode adds to the growing list of legal troubles faced by Baba Ramdev and his company, Patanjali Ayurved, over false advertisements and unsubstantiated claims about their products. The Supreme Court of India has already reprimanded Patanjali for continuing to make misleading statements against modern systems of medicine. In November 2023, the Court issued a stern notice, ordering an immediate halt to all false and misleading advertisements and even considered imposing penalties of up to ₹1 crore for each product found to have false claims.
In February 2024, the Supreme Court also issued a contempt notice to Patanjali Ayurved and its Managing Director, Acharya Balkrishna, for ignoring its earlier order against misleading advertisements. The Court also barred Patanjali from advertising its medicinal products until further notice.
In April 2024, a state regulator in India suspended 14 production licenses for products manufactured by companies associated with Baba Ramdev. The action was taken due to the continued publication of misleading advertisements about the efficacy of these products, which included herbal medicines for asthma, bronchitis, and diabetes.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Patanjali has been held culpable by the Indian Medical Association for undermining traditional medicine and continuing to issue false advertisements claiming permanent cures for illnesses like blood pressure and asthma, despite previously promising to desist. The Supreme Court has expressed displeasure with Patanjali’s apologies, deeming them insincere, and has warned of strict legal action for disregarding its directives.
