Ramdev’s Patanjali can use Om sign on toiletries, Allahabad HC junks PIL challenge

The petitioner’s contention was that Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd in its logo uses ‘Om’ which is not only a religious symbol but a ‘mantra’ and chanted as a part of religious rituals in Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, etc.

The Allahabad high court on Friday refused to entertain a PIL seeking orders to restrain Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd of spiritual leader Ramdev from using sign of ‘Om’ on toiletries.

Ramdev (right) and Balkrishna showing Patanjali products before addressing a press conference in New Delhi last month . (Arvind Ashok Nigam/ Hindustan Times)

The bench comprising justice VK Shukla and justice MC Tripathi dismissed the public interest litigation (PIL) filed by RS Kushwaha, a social activist.

Petitioner’s contention was that Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd in its logo uses ‘Om’ which is not only a religious symbol but a ‘mantra’ and chanted as a part of religious rituals in Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, etc.

Further, petitioner’s contention was that Trademark laws prohibit use of any logo which is against religious sentiments of any religious group and it is a criminal offence as per section 295A of Indian Penal Code.

The court after hearing concerned parties refused to restrain the company from using sign of ‘Om’ in its logo and said that petitioner could not show how use of ‘Om’ in logo is violative of any law or prohibited in any existing law.

The court while dismissing the PIL said that it seems that petitioner has filed the petition with a motive to gain publicity and not to seek any benefit for public at large.