Dabur vs Patanjali: Legal Battle Over Misleading Chyawanprash Advertisement in Delhi High Court

As per news reports, Dabur India Ltd has approached the Delhi High Court, alleging that Patanjali has aired advertisements making misleading claims about their chyawanprash. This legal face-off, reported by several news outlets, has drawn significant public attention.

Dabur’s Claims Against Patanjali

Dabur India Ltd, a leading player in the consumer goods sector, has accused Patanjali of broadcasting advertisements that undermine the credibility of competing chyawanprash products. According to Dabur, these advertisements feature statements implying that Patanjali’s chyawanprash is the only “original” product adhering to traditional Ayurvedic formulations, thereby labelling other brands as inferior.

The advertisement in question, reportedly featuring Patanjali’s founder Baba Ramdev, claims that those lacking knowledge of ayurveda and vedic traditions cannot produce authentic chyawanprash. Dabur asserts that such messaging misleads consumers and damages the reputation of other well-established brands, including its own.

Dabur’s Dominance in the Market

Dabur holds a significant 61.6% market share in the chyawanprash segment, a fact that underscores the stakes involved in this dispute. According to Dabur, the Drugs and Cosmetics Act ensures that all chyawanprash products adhere to a standard ayurvedic formulation, making any exclusivity claims by Patanjali baseless. 

Dabur also argued that these claims could harm consumer trust and safety, as they imply that competing products might not meet regulatory standards.

Regulatory and Public Concerns

Dabur’s legal filing cited advisories issued by the Ministry of AYUSH, cautioning against misleading advertisements that could impact public health. The company further alleged that Patanjali’s advertisement, aired over 900 times across major TV channels and published in widely circulated newspapers like Dainik Jagran, has significantly influenced public perception. 

Court Proceedings

According to reports, during the court session, Patanjali questioned the maintainability of Dabur’s case and requested time to prepare its defence. The judge initially suggested mediation to resolve the dispute amicably. However, Dabur pressed for urgent relief, emphasising the potential harm to its reputation and consumer trust.

The court is now set to hear the matter in late January, leaving the resolution of this conflict pending.

Conclusion

This legal tussle reflects the intense competition in India’s FMCG market, particularly in the chyawanprash segment. With two industry giants locking horns, the outcome of this case could set a precedent for advertising practices and regulatory compliance in the sector.

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