In a case that could shape the boundaries of online influence and brand accountability, Reckitt Benckiser India, the maker of Dettol, has dragged prominent social media influencers and a dermatologist to the Delhi High Court for allegedly spreading misleading and defamatory claims about its flagship product, Dettol Antiseptic Liquid (DAL).
The legal battle was sparked by a viral podcast episode titled “Skin Mistakes You Didn’t Know! Tanning & Sunburn EXPOSED”, released on April 1, where dermatologist Dr Manjot Marwah described Dettol as a “floor cleaner” and claimed it could “burn wounds and delay healing.” The episode featured influencers Raj Shamani and Ritik Chaturvedi, and was followed by a widely-shared Instagram reel on April 5 warning viewers to “Never Use Dettol on your Skin.”
Reckitt, in its plea, argued that the statements were “factually incorrect” and “highly damaging” to a brand that has been classified as a licensed skin antiseptic drug in India since 1936. With Dr Marwah’s large Instagram following of over 780,000 users, the content quickly went viral, reaching millions and raising concerns about consumer misinformation.
During the hearing, Justice Saurabh Banerjee noted the right of medical professionals to express opinions but stopped short of issuing a restraining order. Instead, the court granted time for the influencers and Dr Marwah to file their replies. The judge observed, “A doctor is free to give their opinion. However, whether that qualifies as disparagement is yet to be seen.”
Dr Marwah reportedly cited a Philippines FDA report to justify her statements, but Reckitt countered that Dettol is not marketed in the Philippines, rendering the comparison irrelevant to Indian standards.
This case arrives amid growing concerns over unverified content in India’s influencer economy, where creators increasingly sway public perception and consumer choices. As legacy brands like Dettol face digital backlash at unprecedented speeds, the episode underscores the legal and reputational risks in today’s fast-moving content ecosystem.
The next hearing is scheduled for April 8.
