Delhi HC Orders Patanjali to Pull Down False Chyawanprash Ad Within 72 Hours
Image Source: Internet
A Delhi High Court bench has directed Patanjali Ayurved to remove its Chyawanprash commercial within 72 hours, citing false and misleading claims. The advertisement branded rival products as 'dhokha' or deception, sparking a defamation lawsuit from Dabur, the market leader in the Chyawanprash segment. The court ruled that freedom of speech does not protect falsehoods or commercial disparagement. According to the 37-page order, Patanjali's ad crossed the line by implying that all other manufacturers were deceiving consumers. The court emphasized that advertisers can exaggerate their products' virtues but cannot malign an entire class of competing goods. Justice Tejas Karia stated that an advertisement loses constitutional protection when it becomes false, misleading, unfair, or deceptive. Dabur argued that the ad was 'per se defamatory and disparaging' as it painted all other makers in a negative light. Patanjali defended the commercial, claiming it was meant to highlight the company's product as a healthier alternative. However, the court rejected these arguments, stating that advertisers cannot denigrate an entire class of competing goods. The court's verdict highlights the importance of truthful advertising and the limits of freedom of speech. It emphasizes that advertisers must ensure their claims are accurate and not misleading, and that they cannot defame or disparage their competitors. The court's order serves as a reminder to companies to be transparent and truthful in their advertisements.
