Concerns Raised Over Patanjali’s Divya Dant Manjan: A Petition in Delhi High Court
A significant petition has been submitted to the Delhi High Court, raising serious concerns about Patanjali’s Divya Dant Manjan toothpaste. The petition alleges that the product contains fish extract, despite being marketed as a vegetarian item. The presence of a ‘green dot’ on the packaging implies that it is suitable for vegetarians, but this could be misleading as fish extract is considered a non-vegetarian ingredient.
Legal Action Requested Against Misbranding
The petitioner’s counsel has formally requested action against Patanjali for the apparent misrepresentation of Divya Dant Manjan as a vegetarian product. In response, the Delhi High Court has asked the Central Government for a detailed reply on this matter. Notices have also been issued to various parties including the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Patanjali Ayurved, Divya Pharmacy, and Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev.
The Issue of Misbranding Under the Drug Laws
The representation of Divya Dant Manjan has raised issues of misbranding as defined under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The petitioners argue that while the law does not explicitly categorize medicines as vegetarian or non-vegetarian, the erroneous use of the green ‘dot’ is misleading. Advocates Swapnil Chaudhary and Prashant Gupta, who are representing the petitioner, pointed out that the ingredient “sea foam (Sepia officinalis)” sourced from fish is a critical factor in this case.
The Personal Impact on Consumers
The petitioner expressed personal distress regarding the use of the product, emphasizing that he and his family exclusively use vegetarian products due to their religious beliefs. He contends that there has been a failure on the part of regulatory authorities to act against the misrepresentation of Divya Dant Manjan, which must be addressed promptly.
Plans for Future Proceedings
The next hearing in this significant case is scheduled for November. The outcome could impact how natural health products are marketed and labeled in India, particularly for consumers who adhere to vegetarian lifestyles for personal, ethical, or religious reasons.
