Patanjali’s Divya Dant Manjan contains non-vegetarian ingredients? Delhi HC investigates allegations

On Friday, the Delhi High Court issued notices to Baba Ramdev and Patanjali's Divya Pharmacy following a petition that claims Patanjali’s herbal tooth powder, Divya Dant Manjan, contains non-vegetarian ingredients despite being labeled as vegetarian. The case is set for a further hearing on November 28.

Petition Details

The petition, filed by advocate Yatin Sharma, argues that while Divya Dant Manjan is prominently marked with a green dot typically used to indicate vegetarian products, the ingredient list includes Sepia officinalis, also known as common cuttlefish. This ingredient is derived from the cuttlefish bone, which contradicts the product's vegetarian claims.

Sharma's petition reveals that the petitioner and their family, long-time users of Divya Dant Manjan due to its advertised vegetarian and Ayurvedic nature, were shocked to discover that it contains Samudraphen (Sepia officinalis). For the petitioner’s Brahmin family, who strictly avoid non-vegetarian products due to religious beliefs, this revelation was particularly distressing.

ये है पतंजलि का दिव्य दंत मंजन। इसमें नॉनवेज मैटेरियल "समुद्र फेन" (कटल फिश) होने का दावा किया गया है। एडवोकेट यतिन शर्मा ने दिल्ली हाईकोर्ट में याचिका लगाई है। HC ने केंद्र सरकार और पतंजलि को नोटिस जारी करके जवाब मांगा है। pic.twitter.com/6NALx8lG7n

— Sachin Gupta (@SachinGuptaUP) August 31, 2024

Alleged Misrepresentation

The petition highlights that Divya Dant Manjan, sold on Patanjali’s official website and marked with a green dot symbolizing its vegetarian nature, has been misrepresented. It claims that Baba Ramdev admitted in a YouTube video that "Samudra fen," an ingredient in the product, is animal-based. This admission further fuels concerns about the product’s adherence to its vegetarian label.

Call for Judicial Action

The petition underscores the need for judicial intervention to address the discrepancy in the product's labeling and ingredient list. The petitioner seeks redressal for the distress caused by the accidental consumption of a non-vegetarian product and calls for greater transparency in product labeling. The plea emphasizes the importance of upholding religious beliefs and ensuring product integrity.

"The gravity and effectiveness of the court's order are seriously questioned in this matter, highlighting the need for urgent judicial intervention. The persistent disregard for the court's directives calls for decisive action to ensure compliance and uphold the integrity of the legal system," the petition concludes.