Dabur India moves court to restrain Patanjali's Chyawanprash ad that calls rivals 'ordinary'

Dabur India's representative Akhil Sibal said the advertisement misleads consumers, and implies other brands lack the knowledge or authenticity to prepare chyawanprash.

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26 Aug, 2025 12:21

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FMCG major Dabur India has moved the Delhi High Court against Patanjali Ayuved on December 24 alleging that the company has run a disparaging advertisement targetting its 'Chyawanprash' brand.

Legal news website Bar and Bench reported that High Court judge Mini Pushkarna has issued a notice in the matter and listed it for hearing in the last week of January, to consider for interim orders. The report said Dabur India has sought immediate restraining orders against Patanjali Ayurved. Initially, the judge had suggested mediation to address the concerns but decided to hear the case after Dabur sought urgent relief.

Dabur India's representative Akhil Sibal said the advertisement misleads consumers, and implies other brands lack the knowledge or authenticity to prepare chyawanprash. Sibal cited Drugs and Cosmetics Act to state that pre-defined parameters exists for preparation, and any allegation of 'ordinary' product is damaging to competitors such as Dabur, which has more than 61% market share in this category.

The advertisement by Patanjali Ayurved features founder Swami Ramdev saying, "Jinko Ayurved aur Vedo ka gyaan nahi, Charak, Sushrut, Dhanwantari aur Chyawanrishi ke parampara mei ‘original’ Chyawanprash kaise bana payenge?" The Patanjali has been running on various TV channels and has also been published in the Delhi edition of a newspaper.

Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal also said that Patanjali Ayurved has been a habitual offender, citing Supreme Court's orders over a contempt petition against Patanjali earlier this year. Senior Advocate Jayant Mehta, on the behalf of Patanjali Ayurved, sought time to file a response and also questioned the maintainability of the suit.

Patanjali Foods, which has an over Rs 62,300 crore market capitalisation, has been expanding its food vertical, which houses Patanjali Chayawanprash, with new products such as millet-based cereals, branded dry fruits and tea. The Food vertical contributed 76% to FY24 revenue. During Q2FY25, the ethnic foods category, which includes chyawanprash, recorded a revenue of Rs 621 crore as opposed to Rs 405 crore a quarter ago. During Q2FY25, the company had spent Rs 40-50 crore on advertisement.