In a significant twist in the ongoing rivalry between the Lodha brothers, the House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL), led by Abhinandan Lodha, has taken legal action against Abhishek Lodha’s Macrotech Developers. A police complaint has been filed, calling for criminal proceedings in response to allegations of forgery made by Macrotech. This development comes amid an ongoing court-ordered mediation concerning the contentious use of the “Lodha” trademark.
Allegations of Malicious Conspiracy
In the filed complaint, HoABL firmly rejected the accusations from Macrotech, asserting that the situation involves “serious and grave criminal offences.” The company has requested a thorough investigation, expressing strong suspicion of a “malicious conspiracy” aimed at damaging its reputation.
- Key Points from HoABL’s Complaint:
- Denies any wrongdoing and calls for an investigation.
- Accuses unidentified individuals of orchestrating a smear campaign.
Macrotech’s Claims and Legal Background
This police complaint follows a regulatory filing by Macrotech Developers on April 2, in which the company accused HoABL of forging board resolutions that supposedly authorized the use of its trademarks. Macrotech alleged that these forged documents were submitted to government authorities, and they highlighted that no official board meeting occurred on the date referenced in the resolutions.
- Specific Allegations by Macrotech:
- HoABL allegedly used a counterfeit PAN card to alter corporate names to include “Lodha.”
- No board approval was ever granted for the resolutions in question.
Previous Legal Action and Current Mediation
In a related development, Macrotech Developers had previously initiated legal proceedings against HoABL in the Bombay High Court back in January. They sought damages amounting to ₹5,000 crore for trademark infringement. The court has since directed both parties to mediation and appointed an arbitrator to facilitate the discussions.
- Recent Developments:
- Court-mediated settlement in progress.
- Macrotech’s claims include that HoABL created four new companies authorized to use the Lodha trademark.
Both parties remain entrenched in this escalating dispute, with the resolution still pending as mediation efforts continue. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for the Lodha brand and its future operations.
As this situation unfolds, industry observers will be closely monitoring the developments between the two factions of the Lodha family, particularly regarding the implications for the Lodha trademark and associated businesses.
