The escalating dispute between prominent real estate figures Abhishek Lodha, head of Macrotech Developers, and his brother Abhinandan Lodha, founder of the House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL), has taken a dramatic turn. Macrotech has leveled serious allegations against HoABL, claiming the use of forged documents and fraudulent practices to exploit the well-known Lodha brand and its trademark. In a swift response, HoABL’s parent company, Lodha Ventures, stated they are investigating the claims and firmly deny any wrongdoing.

Allegations of Forgery and Trademark Misuse

In a recent regulatory filing, Macrotech Developers revealed that certain entities under HoABL allegedly utilized forged board resolutions (BRs) and counterfeit PAN cards to acquire approval for altering their corporate names to include ‘Lodha’. This drastic claim raises significant concerns within the real estate sector.

• Key Points of the Allegation:
  • Macrotech asserts that HoABL submitted fake BRs to authorities, which purportedly included no objection for using the Lodha trademark.
  • The company emphasized that no board meetings occurred on the dates listed in these BRs, and such resolutions were never approved by their board.
  • Macrotech also highlighted discrepancies in the signature of an independent director, asserting that it was not authentic.

Investigation and Response from HoABL

Macrotech further claimed that at least two companies associated with HoABL successfully changed their corporate names to incorporate ‘Lodha’, leveraging these alterations to advance their business operations. In light of these serious accusations, the Board of Macrotech has established a Special Committee of Directors dedicated to investigating the matter and pursuing legal avenues. Notably, Abhishek Lodha has opted out of this committee.

In response, Lodha Ventures expressed their commitment to thoroughly reviewing the situation. They stated, “We are internally looking into the matter and shall revert with our detailed response. Suffice it to state that the House of Abhinandan Lodha does not admit any of the allegations of fraud and forgery sought to be attributed to us.”

Ongoing Family Conflict

This escalating feud is not new; the Lodha brothers have been embroiled in a prolonged conflict over the use of the Lodha brand. The situation intensified when Macrotech filed a staggering ₹5,000 crore lawsuit against HoABL, a move that underscores the gravity of the family split.

The roots of this dispute trace back to 2015, when the brothers decided to separate their business interests, culminating in a family settlement agreement formalized in March 2017. The conflict reached a point where their mother, Manju Lodha, intervened in February, urging both sons to cease hostilities and prioritize family unity.

Conclusion

As the Lodha brothers navigate this turbulent chapter in their family legacy, the outcomes of these allegations and the ongoing investigation by Macrotech may have significant implications for their businesses and the broader real estate market. The unfolding drama continues to attract attention, revealing the complexities of family dynamics intertwined with corporate ambitions.

For more updates on this developing story and insights into the real estate sector, stay tuned.