Story perspectives

Delhi Court Orders Baba Ramdev to Remove Controversial Video

5/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Baba Ramdev is under fire from the Delhi High Court for not taking down a contentious video where he referred to Hamdard's Rooh Afza as "sharbat jihad." Although he promised to remove it, the video was merely set to private. The court has demanded action within 24 hours, with a follow-up hearing set for May 9, 2025.

History

Historical Context

Baba Ramdev's "sharbat jihad" remarks echo historical tensions surrounding religious expression in India, reminiscent of the 1988 Rushdie Affair. That controversy ignited debates on censorship and religious violence after Salman Rushdie's novel faced a fatwa from Iran's Khomeini. Both incidents highlight the ongoing conflict between freedom of speech and religious sentiments in a diverse society, raising questions about accountability and societal response.

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Story summary

Baba Ramdev is under fire from the Delhi High Court for not taking down a contentious video where he referred to Hamdard's Rooh Afza as "sharbat jihad." Although he promised to remove it, the video was merely set to private. The court has demanded action within 24 hours, with a follow-up hearing set for May 9, 2025.

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