Patanjali’s ‘cheating’ Chyawanprash ad banned: Delhi High Court said – cannot humiliate others, remove it from all platforms within 72 hours

In this ad, Baba Ramdev is seen saying that ‘Most of the people are being deceived in the name of Chyawanprash’.

Delhi High Court has ordered the closure of Patanjali Ayurveda’s special Chyawanprash ad within 72 hours. In this ad, Patanjali had called other brands ‘cheats’. On the complaint of Dabur India, the bench of Justice Tejas Karia had passed this interim order on 6 November, which was read today.

The court said that you can run a comparative advertisement, but one that degrades others or makes false and misleading statements will not run. This ban will remain in effect till February 2026. Now Patanjali cannot show this ad anywhere on TV, social media or print media.

What decision did the court give?

• From a layman’s point of view, this ad creates the impression that other products are fraudulent.
• Patanjali will have to remove or block the ad from all platforms within 72 hours.
• Ban on national TV channels, streaming platforms, digital, print media and social media accounts like YouTube, Instagram.
• No new ad can be run which calls Chyawanprash a ‘fraud’ or questions its medical value.

What is this controversy?

There has been tension between Dabur and Patanjali in the Chyawanprash market for a long time. Dabur is the market leader in this segment with around 60% share, while Patanjali recently launched its special Chyawanprash. Dabur says that Patanjali’s advertisement not only makes their product look bad but also raises questions on the credibility of the entire Chyawanprash category by calling it a ‘fraud’. This is a case of commercial disparagement, where one company tries to humiliate the other.

What was special in the advertisement?

In Patanjali’s special Chyawanprash ad, ‘Come on, get cheated!’ Like catchy phrases were used. In this ad, Baba Ramdev is seen saying that ‘Most of the people are being deceived in the name of Chyawanprash’. The court looked at this and said that this is an attempt to make other products look fake or inferior. Dabur’s Chyawanprash also comes in this, which is unfair.

What will happen next?

The next hearing will be on 26 February 2026. Then there will be arguments on merits and permanent relief can be obtained. This case could set a benchmark for the industry, where brands target each other. Dabur has got relief, but Patanjali can appeal. Chyawanprash sales in the market will be affected because consumers will now be more alert on AIDS.

There is more news…