Patanjali Ayurved, known for promoting yoga and Ayurveda, has received a setback from the Delhi High Court. The court, while hearing a petition filed by Dabur India Ltd., has temporarily barred Patanjali from broadcasting any derogatory or misleading advertisements that target Dabur Chyawanprash or other competing brands.
Justice Mini Pushkarna, presiding over the case, issued the interim injunction on Thursday and directed Patanjali to halt any media content that harms the image of other brands. The court emphasized that advertising freedom cannot be used to malign competitors or mislead consumers.
What triggered the court order?
Dabur’s legal counsel, Jawahar Lal and Meghna Kumar, argued that:
- Patanjali’s ad for its “Special Chyawanprash” claimed “no other manufacturer knows how to make Chyawanprash.”
- The ad labeled other brands, including Dabur, as “ordinary Chyawanprash” and alleged that they lack knowledge of Ayurvedic scriptures and formulations.
Dabur called this defamatory and misleading, accusing Patanjali of running a deliberate campaign to damage the reputation of established brands like Dabur.
Justice Pushkarna noted that if Patanjali’s claims are untrue, they constitute a violation of the Consumer Protection Act and Competition Act, as well as a breach of advertising ethics.
Court’s Directive:
- Patanjali has been asked to submit a reply by 14 July.
- Until then, all misleading or defamatory advertisements must be suspended.
Not the first time for Patanjali:
Patanjali has faced similar legal actions in recent years:
- 2022: Indian Medical Association (IMA) moved the Supreme Court against Patanjali for falsely claiming COVID cures.
- 2023: Supreme Court directed Patanjali to stop misleading ads—orders which were reportedly ignored.
- 2024: Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna were summoned personally by the court and warned of contempt for non-compliance.
This case reinforces the judiciary’s stand that competitive advertising must not cross ethical or legal boundaries.
