The Delhi High Court was informed on Tuesday that influencer Raj Shamani, dermatologist Dr. Manjot Marwah, and co-accused influencer Ritik Chaturvedi have agreed to remove or edit content critical of Dettol antiseptic liquid. The agreement is part of an ongoing defamation case filed by Reckitt Benckiser India, the parent company of Dettol, over allegedly defamatory remarks made in a podcast and Instagram reel.
The controversy stems from a podcast episode titled “Skin Mistakes You Didn’t Know! Tanning & Sunburn EXPOSED”, hosted by Raj Shamani on April 1, 2025, and an Instagram reel posted on April 5, 2025. In the content, Dr. Marwah reportedly described Dettol as “essentially a floor cleaning liquid,” claiming that it burns wounds and delays healing. The statements were deemed “false, misleading, and defamatory” by Reckitt Benckiser.
Reckitt’s legal team argued that Dettol has been a licensed antiseptic for skin use in India since 1936 and is regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. They contended that such remarks could mislead consumers and irreparably damage the brand’s reputation.
Justice Saurabh Banerjee presided over the case and recorded a draft settlement agreement presented by both parties. Key directives include:
- Content Removal:
- Dr. Marwah has already deleted the controversial Instagram reel.
- Raj Shamani will edit the podcast episode to remove references to Dettol within 24 hours.
- Ritik Chaturvedi, who reshared the reel, has also deleted it and was instructed not to repost similar content.
- Social Media Platforms’ Role: Platforms hosting the content have been directed to assist in implementing these changes promptly.
- Future Compliance: Shamani and Marwah have been restrained from re-uploading or sharing similar content until the case reaches a formal resolution.
The Court acknowledged the viral nature of such posts and emphasized the potential for irreversible reputational harm if corrective actions were delayed.
The settlement terms are yet to be formalized under Order 23 Rule 3 of the Civil Procedure Code, which governs compromises in civil disputes. Justice Banerjee has directed all parties to submit a formal compromise application soon. Until then, compliance with the agreed terms remains mandatory.
This case highlights growing tensions between brands and influencers over accountability in digital content creation. Legal experts note that such disputes underscore the importance of fact-checking claims before publishing content that could impact consumer trust or brand reputation.
For Reckitt Benckiser, this development is seen as a step toward safeguarding its legacy product, while for influencers, it serves as a reminder of their responsibility in shaping public opinion through their platforms.
The Delhi High Court’s intervention in this case underscores the evolving dynamics between brands and digital creators in an era where social media holds significant influence over consumer behavior. As both sides move toward a formal settlement, this case serves as a precedent for navigating defamation disputes in India’s fast-growing influencer economy.
Key Highlights:
- Influencers Raj Shamani, Dr. Manjot Marwah, and Ritik Chaturvedi agreed to remove or edit content critical of Dettol as part of a settlement with Reckitt Benckiser India.
- The dispute arose over claims made in a podcast and Instagram reel describing Dettol as unfit for skin use, which Reckitt deemed defamatory and misleading.
- The Delhi High Court recorded draft settlement terms and directed compliance within 24 hours while awaiting formal documentation under civil procedure rules.
- The case highlights accountability challenges in influencer marketing and its impact on brand reputation.