The Delhi High Court has issued a temporary injunction restraining Scholars Den from broadcasting or publishing advertisements that label edtech giant Physics Wallah as “Sasta Wallah” (cheap one). The court found that such advertisements were prima facie disparaging and could potentially harm the reputation of Physics Wallah, popularly known as PW.
Justice Mini Pushkarna, in her order, stated:
“Accordingly, till the next date of hearing, the defendant is restrained from broadcasting, printing, and publishing disparaging advertisements and disparaging marks in electronic, print, or any media in relation to Physics Wallah.”
Physics Wallah, founded by Alakh Pandey in 2016, argued that Scholars Den used the term “Sasta Wallah” to undermine its credibility, despite the company being renowned for offering affordable courses ranging from ₹50 to ₹1 lakh.
PW’s counsel highlighted that the advertisements insinuated that affordability equates to inferior quality, thus tarnishing PW’s reputation. The court was also informed that the ads were sometimes shot and displayed outside PW’s physical coaching centers, amplifying their impact. PW’s lawyer argued:
“He can’t disparage my product right outside my physical station. He takes this advertisement and circulates it on social media with my name written on it.”
After reviewing the evidence, the court observed that the ads were prima facie disparaging and granted the injunction to prevent irreparable harm to Physics Wallah’s reputation. Justice Pushkarna noted:
“In the above circumstances, the plaintiffs have demonstrated a prima facie case for grant of injunction and, in case, no ex parte ad interim injunction is granted, the plaintiffs will suffer an irreparable loss. Further, balance of convenience also lies in favour of the plaintiffs, and against the defendants.”
The case is scheduled for a detailed hearing in April 2025, following the completion of pleadings and evidence.
Physics Wallah started as a YouTube channel by Alakh Pandey in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, focusing on Physics for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). Its accessible teaching style and affordable courses rapidly gained popularity, with the channel amassing over 2 million followers by 2019. Today, PW is a leading edtech platform in India, offering a range of affordable educational resources to students across the country.
