Chyawanprash advertisement dispute reaches High Court

Dabur India, a major company in the FMCG sector, has approached the Delhi High Court against Baba Ramdev’s company Patanjali Ayurved. Dabur has alleged that an advertisement by Patanjali targeting its Chyawanprash brand is making defamatory and misleading claims.

Delhi High Court notice

According to the report of legal news website Bar & Bench, Delhi High Court Judge Mini Pushkarna has issued a notice in the case.

• The case has been listed for hearing in the last week of January.
• Dabur has demanded immediate restraining order against Patanjali.
• The judge initially suggested mediation, but decided against a hearing after Dabur sought immediate relief.

What is the controversy in Patanjali’s advertisement?

Dabur India alleges that Patanjali’s advertisement is misleading consumers.

• In the advertisement Baba Ramdev is seen saying:
  

  “Those who do not have knowledge of Ayurveda and Vedas, how will they be able to make real Chyawanprash in the tradition of Charak, Sushruta, Dhanvantari and Chyawanrishi?”

• This advertisement has been published on various TV channels and in the Delhi edition of a newspaper.

Dabur claims that this advertisement:

1. Misleads consumers.
2. Questions the authenticity and wisdom of other brands, especially Dabur.

Dabur’s side

Dabur India representative Akhil Sibal said in court:

1. There are pre-determined parameters for preparing Chyawanprash under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
2. Patanjali’s claim that other brands cannot make authentic Chyawanprash is false and harmful.
3. Dabur has over 61% market share in the Chyawanprash category, and such allegations can directly impact it.

Patanjali’s side

Senior advocate Jayant Mehta, on behalf of Patanjali Ayurveda, said:

1. Asked for time to file the reply.
2. The sustainability of the trial was questioned.

Dabur claims: Patanjali is a habitual criminal

Akhil Sibal told the court that Patanjali Ayurveda had been involved in such activities earlier also.

• He described him as a “habitual offender”, citing earlier orders given by the Supreme Court.

Competition in Chyawanprash market

• Dabur has the largest share in the Chyawanprash market, in which it holds 61% share.
• This advertisement of Patanjali, which keeps Ayurveda and authenticity at the center, is increasing this competition.