Court Says Patanjali Ad Misleads, Orders Take Down

The Delhi High Court restrains Patanjali Chyawanprash ad from being broadcast or shared across media platforms after Dabur India Limited alleged that the commercial unfairly discredited its own Chyawanprash and other Ayurvedic products in the same category.

The Court ruled that Patanjali’s recent “Dhoka” (meaning deception) advertisement amounted to unfair and misleading disparagement of all competing Chyawanprash brands.

Court Finds the Ad Misleading and Derogatory

Justice Tejas Karia observed that the Patanjali advertisement implied that all other Chyawanprash products in the market were “Dhoka” or deceptive. According to the Court, such a claim goes beyond normal advertising puffery and directly harms the reputation of other products, especially Dabur Chyawanprash, which holds over 61% market share in this segment.
The judge clarified that while brands can highlight their product’s strengths, they cannot insult or discredit competitors’ products as a whole. The message in Patanjali’s ad, the Court said, could easily mislead consumers into believing that every other Chyawanprash except Patanjali’s is fake or inferior.

Dabur’s Plea: Ad Damages Trust in Ayurvedic Products

Dabur India, represented by Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi, argued that the ad featuring Baba Ramdev portrayed other Chyawanprash brands as fraudulent and non-authentic. The campaign’s slogan reportedly urged people to “protect themselves from daily deception” and buy only Patanjali Special Chyawanprash.
Dabur claimed this messaging attacked consumer trust not only in its brand but in the entire Ayurvedic Chyawanprash market potentially misleading the public about the safety and authenticity of other established formulations.

Patanjali’s Defense: Just Puffery, Not Targeted Attack

In response, Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar, appearing for Patanjali, defended the campaign by stating that the word “Dhoka” was not aimed at Dabur specifically. He maintained that the advertisement was only exaggerated marketing or hyperbole, which is legally permissible and common in promotional content.
However, the Court disagreed, emphasizing that generic disparagement even without naming a specific brand still damages competitors, especially the market leader. The Court stated that from a consumer’s point of view, the ad suggested all other Chyawanprash brands, including Dabur’s, were deceptive.

Court Orders Immediate Ban and Ad Removal

Finding a prima facie case (initially valid claim) in Dabur’s favor, the Delhi High Court issued an interim injunction against Patanjali Ayurved Limited and Patanjali Foods Limited. The Court has barred them from broadcasting, publishing, or sharing the impugned advertisement in any form, whether on television, print, or social media platforms.
Additionally, the Court ordered Patanjali to remove the ad from YouTube, Instagram, and all other digital channels within 72 hours. The matter is now listed for further hearing on February 26, 2026

Conclusion

The ruling reinforces the principle that advertisers cannot use misleading or derogatory claims to promote health or Ayurvedic products. It underscores the need for responsible marketing, especially in the health and wellness sector, where consumer trust plays a vital role.

The Delhi High Court restrains Patanjali Chyawanprash ad serves as a strong reminder that while creative advertising is allowed, false generalizations about competitors’ products can lead to legal consequences and harm public perception of traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

Health and Ayurvedic product companies must ensure their promotional claims are truthful, evidence-based, and non-disparaging. Consumers should also stay informed and evaluate health products based on verified information rather than emotional or exaggerated advertising messages.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

Priya Bairagi

Copy-Writer & Content Editor

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I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.