Patanjali Can't Run 'Disparaging' Ads Against Dabur Chyawanprash, Rules Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court on Thursday restrained Patanjali from running 'disparaging' advertisements against Dabur Chyawanprash. The order came in response to a petition filed by Dabur India, which accused Patanjali of making misleading and disparaging claims in its promotional material.

The advertisement was seen by Dabur as a direct attack on its credibility, given that Dabur has long been "one of India's leading manufacturers of Chyawanprash."

'Only Authentic Chyawanprash' Claim Challenged

Patanjali, in its ad, claimed that no other company apart from Patanjali manufactures Chyawanprash based on proper Ayurvedic and traditional scriptures. Dabur took strong exception to this assertion, arguing that such messaging not only misleads consumers but also unfairly undermines decades of Dabur’s legacy in Ayurvedic healthcare.

Hearing the plea, the Delhi High Court issued an interim injunction on Patanjali’s ad campaign, restricting it from airing or publishing content that claims exclusive authenticity in Chyawanprash production. The Court found prima facie merit in Dabur’s argument that such advertising could influence consumer perception unfairly.

Dabur has also sought Rs 2 crore in damages from Patanjali for alleged loss of reputation and goodwill.

The case highlights growing competition and aggressive marketing tactics in India's booming Ayurvedic and wellness sector. The matter will next be heard in the coming weeks as the court considers Patanjali’s response.

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