Key Update

Patanjali Foods Limited filed a commercial suit in the Bombay High Court against a YouTube channel for allegedly publishing a “false and defamatory” video claiming Nutrela Soya Chunks failed safety tests. The company asked the court to remove the video and award damages totalling ₹15.5 crore.

Video Makes Unfounded Claims

The channel Trustified uploaded the video, titled “Nutrela Soya Chunks Lab Test Report II First Time on YouTube – Pass or Fail??”, on December 29, 2024. The video claimed that the product exceeded FSSAI’s Maximum Residue Limit for pesticides like Carbendazim and Benomyl. Patanjali rejected the claims as false, stating that independent laboratory reports confirm the product meets all FSSAI standards.

Defendants and Allegations

Patanjali named Arpit Trustified Certification, Trustified Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Google LLC (owner of YouTube), and others as defendants. The company argued that the channel posted the video to tarnish its reputation and exploit the brand’s popularity, causing business losses. Patanjali requested a permanent injunction to prevent the defendants from publishing or circulating disparaging content, immediate takedown of the video, and orders to block similar future uploads. Patanjali claimed ₹10.5 crore for reputational and business losses and ₹5 crore as special damages for brand injury, totalling ₹15.5 crore.

Trademark and Legal Grounds

Patanjali cited the Trade Marks Act, 1999, and the Code of Civil Procedure, alleging trademark infringement and commercial disparagement. The company emphasised that the trademark “Nutrela,” registered in 1977 under Class 30 and valid until November 2035, is a well-known mark.  Patanjali highlighted its nationwide reputation, advertising spend of over ₹73 crore in 2024–25, and Nutrela Soya Chunks sales of ₹406 crore. It submitted screenshots and video transcripts to show the negative impact on brand perception.

Court Proceedings

Advocate Apoorv Srivastava, representing Patanjali, told the court that the allegations are baseless and misleading and requested urgent interim relief. Justice Sharmila U. Deshmukh scheduled a detailed hearing for Monday, December 22.

Source: The Hindu