Delhi High Court Bans Patanjali’s Misleading Ads Against Dabur Chyawanprash: Landmark Ruling on Fair Advertising
Court says Patanjali cannot call rival Chyawanprash products “fake” or “deceptive.”
Judgment strengthens consumer protection and sets precedent for responsible advertising in India.
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: November 12, 2025:
The Delhi High Court has issued a strong order against Patanjali Ayurved, led by yoga guru Baba Ramdev, restraining the company from airing advertisements that allegedly disparage Dabur’s Chyawanprash. The ruling comes after Dabur India filed a complaint, arguing that Patanjali’s ads misled consumers by portraying rival Chyawanprash brands as “dhoka” (deception).
This case is being seen as a landmark in advertising law, reinforcing the principle that companies must promote their products without unfairly attacking competitors.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy began when Patanjali launched advertisements claiming that only its Chyawanprash was genuine, while other brands—including Dabur—were deceptive. Dabur India, one of the oldest and most trusted names in Ayurvedic products, approached the Delhi High Court, arguing that the ads were false, misleading, and damaging to its reputation.
The court took note of Dabur’s plea and examined whether Patanjali’s campaign violated advertising ethics and consumer protection laws.
Court’s Observations
- Disparaging ads are not acceptable: The court said that calling rival products “fake” or “dhoka” was misleading and unfair.
- Advertising must be truthful: Companies can highlight their strengths but cannot misrepresent competitors.
- Consumer trust must be protected: Misleading ads can confuse consumers and harm the credibility of the entire product category.
Also Read: Allahabad High Court Orders Police Verification for Passports Must Be Completed Within Four Weeks
The court emphasized that healthy competition should be based on quality and innovation, not on disparagement.
The Verdict
The Delhi High Court granted an interim injunction against Patanjali, restraining it from airing the controversial ads across television, print, and digital platforms. The matter has been listed for further hearing, but the order sends a clear message: misleading comparative advertising will not be tolerated.
This ruling comes at a time when Patanjali has faced multiple legal challenges over its advertising practices, including earlier disputes involving other FMCG brands.
Impact on FMCG Industry
Also Read: Supreme Court Slams Jharkhand High Court for Two-Year Delay in Delivering Reserved Judgment
- For Dabur: The judgment protects its brand reputation and reassures consumers about the authenticity of its products.
- For Patanjali: It is a setback, forcing the company to rethink its advertising strategies.
- For the industry: The case sets a precedent that comparative advertising must remain fair and factual, not misleading or defamatory.
Expert Opinions
Legal experts have welcomed the ruling, calling it a “milestone in advertising regulation.” According to consumer lawyers, the case highlights the need for stricter monitoring of advertisements in India.
Marketing analysts believe the judgment will push companies to adopt responsible advertising practices, focusing on product benefits rather than attacking competitors.
Wider Context
India’s advertising industry has witnessed several disputes in recent years, particularly in the FMCG and healthcare sectors. With growing consumer awareness, courts have increasingly intervened to curb misleading claims.
The Patanjali vs. Dabur case is part of a larger trend where brand wars are spilling into courtrooms, forcing companies to balance aggressive marketing with legal compliance.
Conclusion
Also Read: Paying Tax on Income Does Not Protect Benami Property Deals from Legal Action
The Delhi High Court’s ruling against Patanjali is more than just a corporate dispute—it is a landmark in consumer protection and advertising ethics. By restraining Patanjali from airing misleading ads, the court has reinforced the principle that competition must be fair, truthful, and respectful.
This case is expected to influence future advertising campaigns across India, encouraging companies to focus on authenticity and consumer trust rather than disparagement.
- Patanjali Chyawanprash ad ban Delhi High Court
- Dabur vs Patanjali Chyawanprash case
- Delhi HC restrains Patanjali misleading ads
- Baba Ramdev Patanjali advertising dispute
- FMCG advertising ethics India
- Misleading ads consumer protection India
- Dabur Chyawanprash court case 2024
- Patanjali vs Dabur brand war
- Delhi High Court advertising ruling
- Comparative advertising India law