Delhi HC Bars Patanjali’s Ads Against Dabur Chyawanprash

The Delhi High Court has issued a major order against Patanjali Ayurved, barring the company from airing or publishing any advertisements that disparage Dabur India’s Chyawanprash. This decision comes after Dabur, the market leader in the Chyawanprash segment, accused Patanjali of running a misleading and damaging ad campaign targeting its flagship product.

What Sparked the Legal Battle?

The dispute began when Dabur filed a petition in December 2024, alleging that Patanjali’s television commercials and promotional materials were not just promoting their own Chyawanprash, but were actively undermining Dabur’s reputation. Dabur argued that Patanjali’s ads:

• Claimed Patanjali’s Chyawanprash was made with over 51 herbs, while Dabur’s used only 40 or 47 herbs.
• Suggested only those with deep Ayurvedic and Vedic knowledge could make “original” Chyawanprash, implying Dabur’s product was inferior.
• Alleged that other brands’ Chyawanprash (implied to be Dabur) contained mercury and was unsafe for children.

Dabur, which holds over 61% of the Chyawanprash market, said these claims were false and misleading, and were harming both its brand and consumer trust.

Court’s Interim Order: Ads Must Stop

On July 3, 2025, Justice Mini Pushkarna of the Delhi High Court granted Dabur’s request for an interim injunction. The order directs Patanjali to immediately stop telecasting, publishing, or broadcasting any advertisements that could be seen as disparaging or making unverified claims about Dabur Chyawanprash.

Dabur told the court that even after receiving a summons, Patanjali had aired more than 6,000 such ads in just one week. The judge noted that the ads may have crossed the line from regular product promotion into “disparaging and misleading statements,” and that such advertising could not be allowed while the case is ongoing.

Patanjali’s Defense

Patanjali argued that its advertisements never directly named Dabur and were only meant to promote its own product. The company claimed it followed all advertising guidelines and had no intention to harm any specific competitor. However, the court found that the implications in the ads were clear and that Dabur’s reputation was at risk.

Not the First Time for Patanjali

This is not the first time Patanjali and its founder, Baba Ramdev, have faced legal trouble over advertising. Earlier, the Supreme Court had warned Patanjali about making misleading claims against modern medicine and forced public apologies. The brand has also been told to take down ads in other cases involving disparagement and misinformation.

What Happens Next?

The Delhi High Court’s order is an interim measure, meaning it will stay in effect until the next hearing, scheduled for July 14, 2025. Until then, Patanjali cannot run any ads that criticize or make unverified claims about Dabur Chyawanprash.

This legal battle highlights the fierce competition in India’s health and wellness market, especially for traditional products like Chyawanprash. It also underscores the responsibility brands have to ensure their advertising is fair, factual, and does not mislead consumers or disparage competitors.