The Delhi High Court has restrained Patanjali Ayurved from broadcasting, circulating, or publishing its advertisement for “Patanjali Special Chyawanprash” which labels other Chyawanprash products in the market as “dhoka” (deceptive). The Court held that such representation amounts to commercial disparagement and is not protected as mere puffery or creative expression. The restraint will continue until the next hearing scheduled on February 26, 2026.

 

The order was passed on November 6, 2025 by Justice Tejas Karia in a suit filed by Dabur India Ltd., the market leader in the Chyawanprash segment. Dabur argued that Patanjali’s advertisement suggested that most Chyawanprash products are misleading or fake, using expressions like “Chalo, dhoka khao!” and “Adhikansh log Chyawanprash ke naam par dhokha kha rahe hain.” Dabur contended that this cast doubt on the safety, authenticity, and efficacy of all competing products, harming the brand’s reputation and consumer trust.

 

Patanjali defended the advertisement by claiming that the statements were rhetorical and part of normal advertising freedom under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, stressing that brands are entitled to highlight their product superiority.

 

The Court, however, held that the advertisement crossed the permissible boundary of comparative advertising. While a company may assert that its product is superior, it cannot attack or denounce an entire class of competing products, especially without substantiation. The Court applied the ordinary consumer standard, observing that the overall impression of the ad clearly suggested that other Chyawanprash products were fraudulent.

 

The Court ordered Patanjali to remove or disable the advertisement within 72 hours from all mediums — including television, OTT platforms, print, YouTube, and social media — and restrained it from issuing any similar advertisements referring to other Chyawanprash as deceptive or lacking medicinal properties.