Influencer and entrepreneur Raj Shamani and dermatologist Dr Manjot Marwah have agreed to remove or edit social media content critical of Dettol antiseptic liquid, as part of a possible out-of-court settlement in a defamation case filed by the product’s manufacturer, Reckitt Benckiser India.
According to media reports, the Delhi High Court was informed on Tuesday that both Shamani and Dr Marwah were willing to comply with settlement terms, which include taking down or modifying a podcast episode and a related Instagram reel that featured comments about Dettol’s use on skin. Justice Saurabh Banerjee has taken a draft of the settlement terms on record and directed the parties to file a formal compromise application under Order 23 Rule 3 of the Civil Procedure Code.
The civil suit, filed by Reckitt, accused the two influencers—and a third, Ritik Chaturvedi—of making “false, misleading and defamatory” remarks about Dettol. The brand took objection to statements made in an April 1 podcast titled “Skin Mistakes You Didn’t Know! Tanning & Sunburn EXPOSED” and a subsequent reel titled “Never Use Dettol on Your Skin,” posted on April 5. In the video, Dr Marwah reportedly described Dettol as “essentially a floor cleaning liquid” and claimed it burns wounds and delays healing.
Reckitt’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate Chander M Lall, argued that such comments were not only scientifically inaccurate but also damaging to a product that has been sold and licensed for skin use in India since 1936. Lall cited definitions from the Indian Pharmacopoeia and noted that Dettol qualifies as a drug under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
The Court was also informed that Dr Marwah had removed the Instagram reel, while Shamani’s legal team assured they would edit the podcast within 24 hours. Chaturvedi, who had reshared a clip from the video, confirmed its removal and was told not to repost similar content. Justice Banerjee directed social media platforms to support the content changes and acknowledged the viral nature of such posts, cautioning about the potential for irreversible reputational harm. The final settlement will be considered once a formal compromise application is submitted. Until then, the parties have been directed to comply with the agreed terms.