The Delhi High Court has given a big blow to Patanjali Ayurved, the company of Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev. The court ordered on the petition of Dabur India Limited that Patanjali should not transmit misleading and negative advertisements against Dabur Chyawanprash. The order was given by a bench headed by Justice Mini Pushkarana and the next hearing of the case has been fixed on 14 July 2025.
What is the whole matter?
Dabur India filed a petition in the High Court alleging that Dabur Chyawanprash has been targeted in Patanjali’s TV advertisement and an attempt has been made to tarnish his image. Dabur’s senior advocate Sandeep Sethi argued in the court that Patanjali’s advertisement claimed that his Chyawanprash is made up of more than 51 herbs, while in reality it has only 47 herbs. Dabur also alleged that mercury has been found in Patanjali’s product, which could be harmful to children.
Dabur further stated that Patanjali introduced Dabur’s Chyawanprash as “generic”, which created confusion among consumers. Sethi also said that despite issuing summons by the court in December 2024, Patanjali broadcast 6,182 misleading advertisements in a week.
Patanjali’s answer
Senior advocate Jayant Mehta, appearing for Patanjali, denied the allegations. He argued that Patanjali’s product is made according to Ayurvedic norms and all the herbs used in it are safe. He also said that there is no harmful element in the product, and it is completely safe for human consumption.
Dabur’s market dominance
Dabur argued in the court that he has a 61.6% stake in the Chyawanprash market and such an advertisement of Patanjali can harm his reputation. Dabur also said that for the production of Ayurvedic Chyawanprash, it is necessary to comply with the criteria set under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which the advertisement of Patanjali violates.
What will happen next?
The case has launched a debate on advertising norms and regulations in the FMCG region of India. The High Court’s decision can set an important example for such disputes in future. The next hearing of the case is to be held on July 14, when more details are likely to be revealed.
