The Delhi High Court delivered a sharp rebuke to Patanjali Ayurved on Tuesday, questioning the company's controversial advertisement campaign that labeled competing chyawanprash products as 'dhokha' or deception.
During a hearing that saw intense judicial scrutiny, the court expressed strong reservations about Patanjali's marketing strategy that directly targeted rival brands in the Ayurvedic health supplement market.
Judicial Intervention in Ayurvedic Advertising
The bench, comprising Justice Yashwant Varma, posed a fundamental question to Patanjali's legal representatives: "How can you call other chyawanprash products 'dhokha'?" This pointed inquiry came during proceedings related to the ongoing legal battle over the company's advertising practices.
The court's intervention highlights growing concerns about aggressive marketing tactics in the rapidly expanding Ayurvedic products sector, particularly involving major players like Patanjali, which has built a significant market presence under the leadership of yoga guru Baba Ramdev.
Broader Implications for Ayurvedic Industry
The legal proceedings have far-reaching implications for the entire Ayurvedic industry in India:
- Establishing boundaries for comparative advertising in healthcare products
- Defining ethical marketing standards for traditional medicine companies
- Protecting consumer interests from potentially misleading claims
- Maintaining fair competition in the growing wellness sector
The court's stance reflects increasing judicial oversight of healthcare product advertising, especially those making direct or indirect claims about competitors' products.
Ongoing Legal Scrutiny
This isn't the first time Patanjali has faced legal challenges regarding its advertising practices. The company has been under judicial scrutiny for various claims about its products and comparative advertisements targeting multinational corporations and domestic competitors alike.
The Delhi High Court has been particularly vigilant about ensuring that Ayurvedic companies maintain ethical standards while promoting their products, balancing business interests with consumer protection requirements.
The case continues to unfold, with the court seeking detailed responses from Patanjali regarding its advertising strategy and the evidence supporting its claims against competing chyawanprash brands.
