In a dramatic development in the ongoing dispute between the Lodha brothers, Macrotech Developers, led by Abhishek Lodha, has accused the House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) of fabricating board resolutions. These documents purportedly grant permission for the use of Macrotech’s trademarks and have been submitted to government authorities, raising serious concerns over corporate governance and legal compliance.
Allegations of Forgery and Misuse
Macrotech revealed in a recent exchange filing that no official board meeting took place on the date cited in the contested resolutions. The company firmly states that its board has never acknowledged or sanctioned the resolutions in question. This assertion raises questions about the legitimacy of the documents filed with regulatory bodies.
- The resolutions allegedly bear the signature of an independent director, identified as Ashwani Kumar, who previously served as chairman and managing director of Dena Bank.
- Macrotech claims that two companies under HoABL changed their corporate names to include "LODHA"—a registered trademark owned by Macrotech—using what they assert are forged documents.
Response from Lodha Ventures
When approached for comment, a spokesperson for Lodha Ventures indicated that they are thoroughly investigating the allegations. They stated, “We are looking into the matter internally and will provide a detailed response soon. It is important to clarify that the House of Abhinandan Lodha categorically denies any claims of fraud or forgery.”
Trademark Misappropriation
Macrotech alleges that HoABL’s actions were intended to facilitate the establishment of four new entities:
- Lodha Landbuild Infrastructure
- Lodha Bhoomi Nirman
- Lodha Land Design Infra
- Lodha Pictorials Landinfra
These companies were reportedly registered to use the Lodha trademark, a move that Macrotech claims is a direct violation of their intellectual property rights. Furthermore, it is suggested that these companies aimed to sell plots in Goa and elsewhere under the Lodha name.
Board’s Reaction and Legal Measures
In response to these revelations, Macrotech convened a board meeting where they expressed deep concern regarding what they describe as a conspiracy to misuse their brand and goodwill. Consequently, the board has established a special committee dedicated to investigating this matter further and pursuing appropriate legal action. Notably, Abhishek Lodha has opted out of participating in this committee.
Legal Proceedings and Mediation
Earlier this year, Macrotech Developers took legal action against HoABL in the Bombay High Court, seeking ₹5,000 crore in damages for trademark infringement. The court has since referred the case for mediation and appointed an arbitrator to oversee the proceedings, indicating the seriousness of the allegations.
Verification of Documents Raises Further Questions
Macrotech also highlighted discrepancies in the documentation provided by HoABL, including a PAN card belonging to the independent director. Upon verification, the company discovered that both the signature and photograph on the card had been altered. The independent director has confirmed that he did not approve any such resolutions and that the signatures do not match his own.
As this corporate saga unfolds, the implications for both parties could be profound, affecting not only their reputations but also their business operations. Keep an eye on this developing story as it progresses through the legal system.
