 "Patanjali’s Vegetarian Claims Under Fire: Court Questions Misbranding Allegations")
The Delhi High Court has requested the Indian government’s response to a petition regarding the alleged misbranding of Patanjali’s product “Divya Dant Manjan.” The product, which is labeled as vegetarian with a green symbol, reportedly contains fish extract, making it non-vegetarian. The court issued notices to the Centre, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, and related parties, including Patanjali and Yoga guru Ramdev. The petitioner, represented by lawyer Yatin Sharma, expressed distress over inadvertently consuming a non-vegetarian product due to religious beliefs. The case highlights the need for clearer product labeling and adherence to consumer expectations. The next hearing is scheduled for November, as the petition seeks accountability for this misrepresentation.
Title: Delhi High Court Questions Patanjali Over Misbranding of “Divya Dant Manjan”
Patanjali’s popular dental care product, “Divya Dant Manjan,” is under scrutiny as the Delhi High Court has asked the government to respond to a petition regarding its labeling as a vegetarian product. The petition alleges that the product, which features a “green dot” to signify that it is vegetarian, actually contains fish extract, a non-vegetarian ingredient.
During the hearing, Justice Sanjeev Narula issued a notice to various parties, including Patanjali and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The petitioner’s lawyer, Yatin Sharma, argued that the law does not require a declaration of a product as vegetarian or non-vegetarian if it is classified as a drug. However, he claimed that the presence of fish extract in “Divya Dant Manjan” constitutes misbranding under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
The petitioner, who follows a vegetarian diet for religious reasons, expressed distress over the possibility of unintentionally consuming a non-vegetarian product. The item is still being sold on Patanjali’s official website with the misleading green dot, further raising concerns about transparency in product labeling.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for November, allowing time for the Centre and other involved parties to prepare their responses. This case emphasizes the importance of accurate product representation to respect the dietary choices and beliefs of consumers.
Patanjali’s health-focused ethos is under the spotlight, as this issue could impact the brand’s credibility in the competitive health and wellness Market. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how health products should be marketed in India.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
Tags: Patanjali, Divya Dant Manjan, Delhi High Court, vegetarian product, misbranding, food safety, religious beliefs
What is the plea about regarding Patanjali products?
The plea is questioning whether Patanjali has misbranded its products, meaning it may have labeled them incorrectly or misleadingly.
What does “misbranding” mean?
Misbranding means that a product’s label does not accurately reflect what it is or what it contains, which can confuse or mislead consumers.
What is the Centre’s position on this issue?
The Centre has not given a clear answer yet, as the case is still being looked at by the court.
Why is this plea important?
This plea is important because it helps ensure that consumers have accurate information about the products they buy, which can affect their health and choices.
What can happen if Patanjali is found guilty of misbranding?
If Patanjali is found guilty, they may face penalties, fines, or be required to change their product labeling to be more accurate.
