The legal spotlight is once again on Patanjali Ayurved, as the Delhi High Court has taken up a significant case against the company and its co-founder, Baba Ramdev. The petition, filed by advocate Yatin Sharma, raises serious allegations regarding the brand's herbal tooth powder, ‘Divya Manjan’. According to the petition, this product, marketed as a vegetarian and plant-based ayurvedic remedy, contains a controversial ingredient that contradicts its advertised claims.
Specifically, the petition claims that while Divya Manjan is adorned with a green dot on its packaging—a symbol that signifies vegetarian status—the product's ingredient list includes samudraphen (scientifically known as Sepia officinalis), which is derived from fish extract. This ingredient's presence, despite the product’s vegetarian labeling, has led to accusations of misbranding and violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Sharma's petition reflects deep personal and religious concerns, as he and his family follow dietary restrictions that prohibit non-vegetarian substances. The discovery of samudraphen in a product they believed to be strictly vegetarian has reportedly caused them significant distress. Adding to the gravity of the situation, Sharma points to a YouTube video in which Baba Ramdev allegedly acknowledged that samudraphen is indeed an animal-based product.
Efforts to address the issue through various channels, including complaints to the Delhi Police, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, and the Ministry of Ayush, have reportedly been met with inaction. Consequently, the petition seeks judicial intervention to rectify the alleged mislabeling, enforce accountability, and seek compensation for the distress caused by the inadvertent consumption of a non-vegetarian product.
The Delhi High Court has responded by issuing notices to Patanjali Ayurved, Baba Ramdev, the Central government, and Patanjali’s Divya Pharmacy—the manufacturer of Divya Manjan. The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 28, marking a crucial date in the ongoing legal proceedings.
This case is part of a broader pattern of legal challenges faced by Patanjali Ayurved. Previously, the Supreme Court of India had reprimanded the company and its founders for engaging in misleading advertising practices. The court had mandated that Patanjali retract all misleading advertisements related to their ayurvedic products and issue a public apology. This recent petition adds another layer to the scrutiny surrounding Patanjali’s business practices, highlighting ongoing concerns about product transparency and consumer rights.
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