New Delhi, July 3— The Delhi High Court on Thursday restrained Patanjali Ayurved from airing or publishing advertisements that disparage Dabur Chyawanprash or question the authenticity of other non-Patanjali chyawanprash brands.
Justice Mini Pushkarna, while hearing an interim injunction plea filed by Dabur, observed that the ads in question made misleading and unsubstantiated claims that cast doubt on the efficacy and authenticity of all other chyawanprash products.
The court posted the matter for further hearing on July 14.
Dabur, in its plea, objected to a particular Patanjali advertisement for “Patanjali Special Chyawanprash,” which allegedly suggested that no other manufacturer possessed the Ayurvedic knowledge to make chyawanprash. One of the ads reportedly stated: “Jinko Ayurved aur Vedo ka gyaan nahi, Charak, Sushrut, Dhanwantari aur Chyawanrishi ke parampara mei ‘original’ Chyawanprash kaise bana payenge?”
Dabur argued that such statements were both misleading and damaging, specifically targeting its brand by implying that Dabur Chyawanprash — and similar products — were “ordinary” and produced without adherence to Ayurvedic traditions.
“In addition to targeting Dabur directly, the advertisement also made sweeping and untrue claims about other manufacturers lacking Ayurvedic knowledge,” the petition stated.
The company further contended that chyawanprash is a classical Ayurvedic formulation regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and all manufacturers are required to follow the same ancient texts and compositions. Misleading consumers about the legitimacy of regulated products, Dabur said, undermines trust and violates advertising norms.
The court’s order effectively bars Patanjali from broadcasting or publishing any content that discredits competitors’ products pending the final outcome of the case.
