Archive · 13 Sep 2026
The Hindu Apologises After Backlash Over Ram Rahim Advertisement
The Hindu newspaper published an advertisement about Dera Sacha Sauda and Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
The advertisement presented Ram Rahim in a favorable way and called him “pure and clean.”
Many people criticized the newspaper online.
They said the advertisement appeared to question legal proceedings involving Ram Rahim.
The Hindu said the advertisement was offensive.
On Sunday, it apologized unconditionally to its readers.
N Ram said the apology was printed on the front page of every edition.
Dainik Bhaskar also published the same advertisement but had not yet commented.
The Hindu apologised unconditionally for publishing a controversial front-page advertisement about Dera Sacha Sauda.
The advertisement appeared on Saturday in the newspaper’s Delhi, Mohali and North India editions.
Critics objected to its portrayal of rape convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh as “pure and clean.”
The advertisement alleged that drug mafias and opponents of the Dera were conspiring against Ram Rahim.
Dainik Bhaskar also published the advertisement and had not responded to the criticism at the time of the report.
- Who
- The Hindu, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, Dera Sacha Sauda, critics on social media, and Dainik Bhaskar.
- What
- The Hindu apologised for publishing a controversial advertisement portraying Ram Rahim favorably.
- When
- The advertisement was published on Saturday, and The Hindu issued its apology on Sunday.
- Where
- The advertisement appeared in The Hindu’s Delhi, Mohali and North India editions.
- Why
- The apology followed widespread criticism over the advertisement’s portrayal of Ram Rahim and its allegations of a conspiracy against him.
Critics
The Hindu’s Response
Portrayal of Ram Rahim
Critics
Critics said the advertisement presented a rape convict favorably and appeared to question judicial proceedings.
The Hindu’s Response
The Hindu described the advertisement as deeply offensive, expressed regret and issued an unconditional apology.
Responsibility for publication
Critics
Some users argued that newspapers should not publish material that portrays convicted individuals as “pure and clean” for financial reasons.
The Hindu’s Response
The Hindu acknowledged the publication and said its apology was printed on the front page of all its editions.
- Advertisement title
- “What is Dera Sacha Sauda? (Facts vs Fiction)”
- Publication date
- Saturday
- Apology date
- Sunday
- Editions affected
- Delhi, Mohali and North India
- The Hindu’s response
- An unconditional apology to readers
- Other newspaper involved
- Dainik Bhaskar also carried the same advertisement