High Court Seeks Response on Patanjali's Alleged Misbranding of 'Divya Dant Manjan'

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Centre and Patanjali regarding a petition alleging the misbranding of 'Divya Dant Manjan' as a vegetarian product, despite containing fish extract. The petition highlights the importance of accurate labeling due to religious sensitivities and requests appropriate action.

The Delhi High Court has requested the Centre's stance on a petition alleging the misbranding of Patanjali's 'Divya Dant Manjan' as a vegetarian product. The product, labeled with a 'green dot' to indicate it is vegetarian, reportedly contains fish extract, a non-vegetarian component, according to the petitioner.

The petition, filed by lawyer Yatin Sharma and represented by advocates Swapnil Chaudhary and Prashant Gupta, claims that the misbranding qualifies as a violation under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Justice Sanjeev Narula has issued notices to the Centre, FSSAI, Patanjali, and other related parties. The next hearing is scheduled for November.

The petitioner argues that the presence of 'samudraphen (sepia officinalis)', a fish-derived substance, is distressing for his vegetarian family and calls for redressal. The petition emphasizes the necessity of adhering to religious sentiments and ensuring transparency in product labeling.

(With inputs from agencies.)