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Delhi High Court Questions Patanjali’s ‘Dhoka’ Chyawanprash Ad, Reserves Order on Dabur’s Plea

The judge signaled concern that calling rivals “dhoka” crosses from puffery into disparagement, with the case now slated for a full hearing in February 2026.

Overview

  • Justice Tejas Karia reserved the interim order on Dabur’s injunction request, issued notice to Patanjali, and listed the matter for February 2026.
  • The court asked how Patanjali could label other Chyawanprash products “dhoka,” noting brands may claim superiority but cannot call competitors fraud.
  • Dabur’s petition alleges generic disparagement of the entire category through a 25‑second ad that says “chalo dhoka khao” and “adhikansh log… dhoka kha rahe hain,” citing its 61.10% market share.
  • Patanjali, through counsel, defended the commercial as lawful puffery, arguing “dhoka” conveyed that others are ordinary or ineffective and that no rival was named.
  • Earlier HC directions required Patanjali to delete lines such as “made with 40 herbs,” and Dabur now also challenges claims like “51 Ayurvedic herbs and saffron” and the “Special” label under Ayurvedic drug rules.