The Delhi High Court has sought a response from Patanjali Ayurved in a lawsuit filed by Dabur, accusing the company of running advertisements that allegedly disparage Dabur Chyawanprash.
Justice Mini Pushkarna issued summons to Patanjali Ayurved and Patanjali Foods Ltd on December 24, asking them to submit their written statement within 30 days.
“Accordingly, let the plaint be registered as suit. Issue summons… Let the written statement be filed by the defendants within thirty days from today,” the court order stated.
Dabur’s Allegations
Dabur, a market leader in the chyawanprash segment with over 60% market share, alleged that the advertisements promoting Patanjali Special Chyawanprash contain false and deliberate claims that tarnish the reputation of Dabur Chyawanprash.
The lawsuit highlighted that Patanjali’s ads described their product as the “original” and “special,” claiming it to be the “shreshtham/sarv-shreshth” (the best) chyawanprash, made in line with the “charak, sushrut, dhanwantari, chyawan sage tradition.” The ads allegedly insinuated that other manufacturers lack such knowledge and are therefore “ordinary.”
The plea further argued, “In essence, the defendants make a brazen claim in the impugned TVC and in the impugned print ad that only the Ayurvedic book used by the defendants is the ‘original method’ or formula to make Chyawanprash, thereby rubbishing other Ayurvedic books stipulated in the first schedule of the D&C Act (Drugs and Cosmetics).”
Dabur contended that such claims undermine its goodwill and reputation, while misleading consumers about the authenticity of other chyawanprash products in the market.
The court has also issued a notice on Dabur’s application seeking interim relief against the airing of the advertisements. The matter is now scheduled for a hearing on January 30.
Relief Sought
Dabur has requested a permanent injunction to prevent Patanjali from continuing with the advertisements or engaging in any activity that disparages Dabur Chyawanprash. The company maintains that its product, long considered a household staple, is being unfairly maligned in an effort to mislead consumers and bolster Patanjali’s market position.
The outcome of the case will likely have significant implications for advertising practices in the competitive FMCG sector, particularly in the Ayurvedic and health product categories.
