The Delhi High Court has questioned Patanjali Ayurved’s decision to appeal against an order that restrained the company from running disparaging advertisements against Dabur Chyawanprash. On September 19, 2025, a Division Bench of Justices C. Hari Shankar and Om Prakash Shukla warned Patanjali that the court would not entertain “frivolous appeals.” The court observed that the advertisements in question amounted to “generic disparagement” and were an obvious reference to Dabur.
The advertisement in question asked, “Why settle for ordinary chyawanprash made with 40 herbs?” The court noted that the use of the phrase “40 herbs” was a clear reference to Dabur, as their product is known to contain 40 herbs. The Single Judge court had previously treated the advertisement as disparaging and issued an interim order. The Division Bench saw no reason to overturn this discretionary order.
The court cautioned Patanjali’s lawyer that if the appeal was found to be “useless” or “luxury litigation,” costs would be imposed. The court asked Patanjali to demonstrate what irreparable loss they would suffer if the appeal was not heard. The lawyer requested time to discuss the matter with his clients, and the court listed the appeal for further hearing on September 23.
This development is the latest in an ongoing dispute between Patanjali and Dabur. On July 3, the Single Judge court had restrained Patanjali from running disparaging advertisements against Dabur Chyawanprash, citing a strong prima facie case of disparagement in both TV and print ads. The court’s decision to question Patanjali’s appeal suggests that the company may face significant costs if the appeal is deemed frivolous. The outcome of the appeal, scheduled to be heard on September 23, will be crucial in determining the future of Patanjali’s advertising strategy.