After facing legal trouble with Rooh Afza maker Hamdard Laboratories, Ramdev’s Patanjali Ayurved has now hit another roadblock — this time involving Dabur India Ltd, one of India's oldest and most trusted FMCG brands. The Delhi High Court has issued fresh orders restricting misleading comparative advertising by Patanjali that allegedly disparages Dabur’s products.
This legal blow compounds Patanjali’s ongoing struggles as it battles multiple court cases, regulatory scrutiny, and criticism for deceptive health and product claims.
⚖️ What the Court Said
In its latest directive, the Delhi High Court ruled that Patanjali cannot publish or air any misleading advertisements that directly or indirectly undermine the quality, safety, or efficacy of Dabur’s health tonics and food supplements.
The case centers around Patanjali’s television and print advertisements for products like Chyawanprash and herbal juices, which allegedly suggest that rival brands, including Dabur, use harmful chemicals or inferior ingredients.
The court found that:
Patanjali’s comparative claims lacked scientific backing
The ads unfairly harmed the reputation of competitors
Such tactics violated advertising and consumer protection laws
🔄 Background: Recent Legal Challenges
This is not the first time Patanjali has found itself in the legal spotlight:
🟥 Rooh Afza Controversy
Patanjali had earlier claimed that its beverages were more natural and safer than products like Rooh Afza, prompting Hamdard Laboratories to file a defamation and disparagement case. The court, in that case too, restrained Patanjali from airing comparative claims without factual evidence.
⚠️ Drug and Health Claims Ban
In a separate matter, Patanjali faced severe backlash and legal action for promoting products that falsely claimed to “cure” COVID-19, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses — leading to reprimands by FSSAI, the Ministry of AYUSH, and the Supreme Court.
🏭 Dabur’s Response
Dabur welcomed the court’s intervention, stating it upholds truthful advertising and ensures that consumer trust is not manipulated. The company argued that:
Its products are scientifically validated and backed by decades of research
Misleading ads affect not just brand value but also public health perception
Patanjali’s comparisons are intended to misguide consumers and create panic about chemical use in Ayurveda-based products
🧪 Patanjali’s Defense
Patanjali maintained that it merely highlighted its product advantages, asserting its formulations were 100% herbal and chemical-free. However, the lack of scientific comparison and peer-reviewed evidence weakened its stance in court.
The brand, co-founded by yoga guru Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, has been known for aggressive marketing that often pits Patanjali against established FMCG giants like Dabur, Hindustan Unilever, and Nestlé.
🧠 What This Means for Indian FMCG Sector
This case highlights an important legal precedent in India’s fast-growing Ayurveda and health foods market:
| Implication | Impact |
|---|---|
| Truth in advertising | Brands must validate claims with proof |
| Comparative ads regulation | Courts are cracking down on misleading comparisons |
| Consumer protection | Ensures buyers are not manipulated through fear-based marketing |
| Brand reputation | Even big players must avoid unfair trade practices |
✅ Conclusion
Patanjali’s latest setback — this time involving Dabur — sends a clear message to the Indian FMCG industry: bold marketing must stay within the bounds of truth and fairness. As legal and regulatory scrutiny tightens, even legacy players must tread carefully when it comes to comparative claims, especially in the health and wellness space
Published on 3rd july
Publisher : SMITA
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