Court Questions Patanjali’s ‘Dhokha’ Remark About Other Chyawanprash Brands

New Delhi | November 6, 2025 The Delhi High Court has questioned Patanjali Ayurved over its recent advertisement that called other chyawanprash brands “dhokha,” meaning fraud or deception. The court, while hearing a plea filed by Dabur India, asked how Patanjali could label all competitors as dishonest while promoting its own product as the only genuine one. Justice Tejas Karia, who presided over the hearing, said that while Patanjali is free to claim its chyawanprash is the best, calling others “fraudulent” crosses a line. “You can say you’re superior, but not that others are ‘dhokha’,” the judge remarked, adding that the word carries a strong negative meaning and paints all other brands as deceitful. Dabur India, which has been selling chyawanprash for over a century, argued that Patanjali’s ad not only harms its reputation but also misleads consumers. The company alleged that Patanjali falsely claims its chyawanprash contains “51 Ayurvedic herbs and saffron,” even though a 2014 government advisory had already ruled such claims misleading. Dabur’s lawyer, Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi, said Patanjali’s statement disparages an entire category of products. “To call all other chyawanprash ‘dhokha’ is to suggest that millions of Indians have been misled,” he argued. Sethi emphasized that Dabur complies with all government standards and follows the original Ayurvedic formula. He also pointed out that Patanjali’s ad has gone viral, receiving around nine crore views within five days, creating confusion and panic among customers. “We are a 100-year-old company with a 61% market share. Such statements damage trust and credibility,” he added. Representing Patanjali, Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar defended the ad, saying it was simply marketing exaggeration, or “puffery,” which is legally allowed. “We’re not calling anyone fake — it’s a way of saying our product is the best. Hyperbole is part of advertising,” he argued. Nayar said Dabur was being overly sensitive and that consumers understand competitive claims. However, the court noted that a company led by a yoga guru, who is often associated with truth and integrity, has a higher responsibility in communication. The judge said the language used in advertisements must not mislead or insult competitors under the guise of promotion. The hearing concluded with the court reserving its verdict on whether Patanjali’s advertisement amounts to misleading and defamatory marketing. The case has once again highlighted the ongoing battle between traditional Indian wellness brands, where fierce competition often clashes with ethical advertising. While Patanjali maintains it is only promoting the superiority of its products, the court’s response suggests that even in the world of marketing, truth and restraint remain key virtues. Court Questions Patanjali’s ‘Dhokha’ Remark About Other Chyawanprash Brands The Delhi High Court just dropped some serious wisdom on Patanjali after its latest chyawanprash ad called all other brands “dhokha.” Justice Tejas Karia questioned how a company could brand everyone else as fake while promoting itself as pure. Dabur India, which took the matter to court, argued that Patanjali’s ad was misleading and damaging to competitors. They claimed the brand’s talk about “51 herbs and saffron” had already been ruled deceptive years ago. The court wasn’t having it. “You can say you’re the best, but not that others are frauds,” the judge said. Patanjali’s lawyers tried to brush it off as creative exaggeration—just good old advertising puffery—but the debate has sparked larger questions about ethics in marketing and consumer trust. As the verdict is awaited, one thing’s clear: in the battle for India’s health shelves, words matter as much as ingredients. When it comes to selling Ayurveda, maybe it’s time for brands to focus on truth, not theatrics.