Delhi HC Restrains Patanjali From Running ‘Disparaging’ Advertisements Against Dabur Chyawanprash

Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued an interim injunction restraining Patanjali Ayurved from airing advertisements deemed disparaging toward Dabur’s Chyawanprash.

A bench led by Justice Mini Pushkarna granted Dabur’s application, tersely noting, “Application is allowed.” The matter is now slated for a detailed hearing on July 14.

Genesis Of The Dispute

The controversy erupted when Patanjali released an ad featuring Baba Ramdev, in which he questions the authenticity of competing Chyawanprash brands. In the commercial, Ramdev asks:

“Jinko Ayurved aur Vedo ka gyaan nahi, Charak, Sushrut, Dhanwantari aur Chyawanrishi ke parampara mei ‘original’ Chyawanprash kaise bana payenge?”

By invoking the names of ancient Ayurvedic authorities, the ad implies that brands lacking such traditional knowledge produce inferior products.

Dabur’s Legal Objections

Dabur India moved swiftly to file interim injunction applications, objecting on several grounds:

Reference To “40+ herbs”

Patanjali’s ad labels a “40-herb Chyawanprash” as “ordinary.” Dabur argues this is a thinly veiled reference to its own 40+ herb formulation, which commands over 60 percent of the Indian Chyawanprash market.

Misleading Claims

The ad allegedly undermines consumer confidence in non-Patanjali brands by implying that only Patanjali’s product adheres to classical Ayurvedic standards.

Public Safety Concerns

Dabur contended that suggesting potential health hazards from rival products poses a threat to public welfare.

Habitual Offending

Citing past Supreme Court contempt proceedings against Patanjali for similar advertising tactics, Dabur urged the court to curb what it called the company’s “habitual” violation of legal norms.

Regulatory & Statutory Context

Dabur emphasised that Chyawanprash is governed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which mandates strict adherence to formulations laid down in classical Ayurvedic texts. Labeling competitors as “ordinary” not only misleads consumers but also erodes trust in a product category subject to specific regulatory standards.

Patanjali’s Defense & Next Steps

While the court’s interim order halts the adverts, Patanjali has yet to present its formal response on the merits. The July 14 hearing will determine whether the injunction should be continued, modified, or vacated. Both parties are expected to submit detailed arguments on advertising standards, trade reputation, and consumer protection.

Dabur India: Brand Portfolio and Recent Performance

Dabur India boasts a diverse product range, including:

Health & Wellness: Dabur Chyawanprash, Honitus, PudinHara

Personal Care: Dabur Amla, Dabur Vatika, Dabur Lal Tail

Foods & Beverages: Real Juices, Dabur Honey

In its latest quarterly results for the period ending March 31, 2025, Dabur reported:

Consolidated Net Profit: ₹312.73 crore, down 8.35 percent from ₹341.22 crore a year earlier.

Revenue from Operations: ₹2,830.14 crore, up marginally from ₹2,814.64 crore in the corresponding quarter of FY 2023-24.

The company attributed the profit decline to elevated costs amid a challenging demand environment.

As the dispute moves toward the July hearing, stakeholders will be watching closely for its implications on advertising practices and brand competition within India’s highly regulated Ayurvedic market.