Delhi High Court restrains competitor from calling Physics Wallah ‘sasta wallah’

The Delhi High Court, on Tuesday, reportedly issued an interim order restraining Scholars Den, an edtech enterprise, from publishing or broadcasting advertisements referring to rival company Physics Wallah as “sasta wallah” (cheap one).

The order came in response to a plea filed by Physics Wallah, which argued that the advertisements were disparaging and harmful to its reputation, according to Bar and Bench.

Justice Mini Pushkarna, while granting relief, 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 is said to have contended that Scholars Den used the phrase “sasta wallah” in its advertisements to promote its services, implying that Physics Wallah’s affordability translates to inferior quality. Bar and Bench said that the edtech giant highlighted that its courses, priced between ₹50 and ₹1 lakh, are designed to make quality education accessible to students.

The company also alleged that Scholars Den displayed the ad outside its physical coaching centres and circulated it on social media platforms. The counsel for Physics Wallah 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 found merit in Physics Wallah’s plea, noting that the advertisements were prima facie disparaging. Justice Pushkarna observed, “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 listed for a detailed hearing in April 2025, following the completion of pleadings and submission of evidence.

Founded in 2016 by Alakh Pandey as a YouTube channel, Physics Wallah—commonly referred to as PW—has grown into a major player in the edtech sector.

Initially focused on Physics lessons for JEE aspirants, the platform’s engaging teaching style and affordability contributed to its rapid success. Currently, the channel has over 13 million subscribers.