The Delhi High Court recently issued a significant order amending its earlier decision concerning the advertisement of Patanjali Ayurved’s Chyawanprash.
The court’s revised ruling allows Patanjali to state in its advertisements why consumers might prefer their product over ‘ordinary’ chyawanprash.
However, the court prohibited claims regarding the use of 40 specific herbs in Patanjali’s formulation.
The two-judge bench, comprising Justices Harishankar and Om Prakash Shukla, delivered the judgment, which also included an order to close the ongoing case.
The court acknowledged notable differences between advertisements from 30 years ago and contemporary promotions, recognising that today’s consumers are more aware and discerning.
Key Highlights of the Court’s Decision
The court ruled that Patanjali may highlight why consumers should not opt for ‘ordinary’ chyawanprash, effectively permitting comparative advertising within reasonable bounds.
This decision underscores the importance of truthful marketing while respecting competitive claims.
However, the court placed restrictions on Patanjali’s assertions related to the inclusion of 40 herbs in their product, preventing the brand from making specific herbal composition claims in advertisements.
This restriction aims to maintain accuracy and avoid potentially misleading information.
During earlier hearings, the court had admonished Baba Ramdev and Patanjali, cautioning that they should either withdraw the petition or face penalties for defamation.
The court had remarked that Patanjali’s advertisements had damaged the reputation of other chyawanprash manufacturers by suggesting their products were inferior or inadequately made.
The court’s judgment reflects an understanding of evolving advertising standards and increased consumer awareness.
It stressed that discerning consumers would not be misled by Patanjali’s comparative claims. The judges affirmed that their previous orders were appropriate, with no need for intervention on appeal grounds.
The court further warned that failure to comply with the ruling could result in fines.
Patanjali’s legal representatives argued that the company has the right to emphasise the uniqueness of its product without undue restrictions, advocating for balanced advertising freedom.
Interim Order and Previous Directions
In July 2025, Justice Mini Pushkarna of a single bench issued an interim order directing Patanjali Ayurved and Patanjali Foods Limited to modify advertisements related to Patanjali Special Chyawanprash.
The directive aimed to ensure that marketing claims were substantiated and did not mislead consumers.
This revised ruling by the Delhi High Court seeks to balance the interests of fair competition, consumer protection, and truthful advertising.
By permitting Patanjali to make certain comparative claims while restricting others, the court has paved the way for more responsible advertising practices in the highly competitive chyawanprash market.
The case’s closure marks a significant milestone in regulating health product advertising, reinforcing the importance of maintaining integrity in claims made to the public.
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