Will Mask Identity Of Real's Fruit Juices In Video: YouTuber Dhruv Rathee Tells Calcutta HC In Alleged Disparagement Claim By Dabur

The Calcutta High Court on Monday heard submissions by the counsel for YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, who had been in the eye of controversy last year, for uploading a video pertaining to Dabur's 'Real' Fruit juices on his YouTube channel, subscribed by over 14 million users.

In his video, Rathee analyzed the health effects of ready-to-serve fruit juices and alleged that their consumption lead to type 2 diabetes, and hair loss, asking his subscribers to not consume such products. When the video was released, Dabur claimed disparagement of their 'Real' trademark since Rathee had only partially blurred their trademark in his video.

In response to Dabur's claims, the Court had initially directed Rathee to remove the offending portions of his videos which targeted 'REAL' juices, but later directed for the video to itself be removed after the interim orders had not been complied with. 

In today's hearing, Rathee's counsel told a single bench of Justice Arindam Mukherjee, that the YouTuber would be willing to amend his video by covering the images of REAL's fruit juice, in order to not make any references to Dabur's trademark. 

It was argued that masking the references would be more efficacious, than contesting the litigation, which could continue for a considerable amount of time.

These suggestions were noted by the bench and the counsel for Dabur, who sought time to seek instructions.

Accordingly, the Court has kept the matter for orders on 29th February 2024.

Case: DABUR INDIA LIMITED v. DHRUV RATHEE AND ORS

Case No: IA NO. GA/1/2023 In CS/41/2023

Order to be uploaded shortly.