Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Delhi HC Questions Patanjali Over 'Dhoka' in Chyawanprash Ad
Two companies, Dabur and Patanjali, sell a health tonic called chyawanprash.
Patanjali made an advertisement saying that other chyawanprash products are 'dhoka', which means fake or a cheat.
Dabur, which also makes chyawanprash, told the court that this is unfair and hurts their business.
The judge asked Patanjali why they used such a strong, negative word like 'dhoka' when they could just say their own product is better.
Patanjali's lawyers said they meant 'ordinary' or 'not as good' and that their ad was just bragging to show their product is the best.
Dabur believes this makes everyone else's product look bad.
The court listened to both sides and will decide later if Patanjali has to stop showing the ad.
The Delhi High Court questioned Patanjali Ayurved about its use of the word 'dhoka' (fraud or deception) in an advertisement for its chyawanprash.
Dabur India has petitioned the court for an interim injunction against Patanjali's advertisement, alleging it disparages their chyawanprash products.
Patanjali's counsel argued that 'dhoka' meant 'inferior' and the advertisement was permissible 'puffery' to highlight their product's superiority.
The court noted that while companies can claim their product is best, calling other products 'fraudulent' is not allowed.
The Delhi High Court has reserved its verdict on Dabur India's plea for an interim injunction against the Patanjali advertisement.
- Who
- The Delhi High Court, Patanjali Ayurved, and Dabur India Limited.
- What
- The Delhi High Court questioned Patanjali Ayurved on its use of the word 'dhoka' (fraud/deception) in an advertisement for its chyawanprash, during a hearing on Dabur India's plea seeking an injunction against the ad for allegedly disparaging its products.
- When
- Thursday (hearing and questioning); the court reserved its verdict.
- Where
- Delhi High Court
- Why
- Dabur India filed a plea seeking an interim injunction against Patanjali's advertisement, alleging it disparages their chyawanprash products by using the word 'dhoka' and making misleading claims.
Dabur India's Stance
Patanjali Ayurved's Stance
Meaning and Impact of the word 'Dhoka'
Dabur India's Stance
Dabur argues that Patanjali's use of 'dhokha' (fraud or deception) to describe all other chyawanprash brands is disparaging and creates panic among consumers, implying other products are fraudulent. They also claim Patanjali falsely advertises '51 Ayurvedic herbs' and uses 'special' in a way that violates drug rules.
Patanjali Ayurved's Stance
Patanjali contends that 'dhokha' in the advertisement means 'ordinary' or 'inferior' in comparison to their product, not fraudulent. They assert the advertisement is permissible 'puffery' and hyperbole, intended to convey their product's superiority without specifically targeting or disparaging competitors.
Nature of the advertisement
Dabur India's Stance
Dabur believes the advertisement is intentionally designed to disparage the entire class of chyawanprash products, leading to significant market impact given the advertisement's wide viewership. They also emphasize that coming from a self-proclaimed yoga guru, such claims are more serious. They claim Patanjali's reference to '40 herbs' targets Dabur, which is a market leader.
Patanjali Ayurved's Stance
Patanjali argues that Dabur is being hypersensitive and that their advertisement is a form of permissible hyperbole, aimed at promoting their own product by stating it is the best, rather than actively disparaging others. They claim they have not targeted Dabur specifically.
- Court
- Delhi High Court
- Plaintiff
- Dabur India Limited
- Defendant
- Patanjali Ayurved
- Product in Dispute
- Patanjali's Chyawanprash advertisement
- Dabur's Allegation
- Patanjali's advertisement uses 'dhoka' (fraud/deception) for other chyawanprash brands and makes misleading claims about its own product, disparaging the entire class of chyawanprash.
- Patanjali's Defense
- The advertisement is permissible 'puffery' and hyperbole, with 'dhoka' meaning 'ordinary' or 'inferior' compared to their product, not fraudulent.
- Court's Question
- How can one refer to all other products as 'dhokha' (fraud), when comparison of superiority is allowed but calling others fraudulent is not?
Sources
Delhi HC reserves order in Dabur’s suit against Patanjali over ‘dhokha’ chyawanprash ad
Delhi HC issues notice to Patanjali to stop advertisement on plea by Dabur India
'You can’t call others ‘dhoka’, Delhi HC tells Patanjali over ad row with Dabur Chyawanprash
"How Can You Call Other Chyawanprash Brands 'Dhokha'?" Delhi High Court To Patanjali
How Can You Call Other Chyawanprash Products 'Dhoka': Delhi High Court Asks Patanjali
