In a significant ruling for intellectual property rights in India's hospitality sector, the Delhi High Court has prohibited Bukhara Inn (Hotel Bukhara) from using the trademark 'BUKHARA', which belongs to ITC Limited . This decision underscores the importance of trademark protection and the legal weight given to well-established brands in the country.

Key Points of the Ruling

• Interim Injunction Granted: Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora issued an interim injunction in favor of ITC Limited and ITC Hotels.
• Trademark Infringement Claim: The case was filed by ITC, alleging trademark infringement related to their renowned Bukhara restaurant at ITC Maurya in New Delhi.
• Established Brand: ITC's Bukhara restaurant, established in the late 1970s, has been a significant revenue generator.
• Trademark Status: The 'BUKHARA' trademark has been registered since 1985.

Court's Observations

The court made several key observations in its ruling:

1. Dishonest Usage: The hotel's use of the name appeared dishonest and misleading to the court.
2. Rejected Defense: The defendant's claim that the name derived from the proprietor's surname 'Bukhari' was dismissed.
3. Prior Knowledge: The judge noted that the adoption of the name seemed to be made with full awareness of ITC's prior, well-known trademark status.

Implications of the Ruling

This decision by the Delhi High Court has significant implications for trademark protection in India:

1. It reinforces the legal protection afforded to well-established trademarks.
2. The ruling serves as a deterrent to potential trademark infringers in the hospitality and other sectors.
3. It highlights the importance for businesses to conduct thorough trademark searches before adopting brand names.

Next Steps

The court has restrained the defendant from using or imitating the 'BUKHARA' mark or any deceptively similar name. The case is scheduled to resume on April 14, 2026, where further proceedings may provide additional clarity on the extent of trademark protection and potential damages.

This ruling underscores the need for businesses to be vigilant about their intellectual property rights and the potential consequences of infringing on established trademarks. As the case progresses, it may set important precedents for trademark law in India's evolving hospitality and culinary landscape.

ITC Limited has successfully concluded its postal ballot process, with shareholders approving two significant board appointments that will shape the company's leadership structure. The diversified conglomerate announced the results on December 16, 2025, following the completion of e-voting that ran from November 16 to December 15, 2025.

Approved Appointments

Amitabh Kant Appointed as Independent Director

Shareholders have approved the appointment of Mr. Amitabh Kant as an Independent Director for a five-year term effective from January 1, 2026. The 69-year-old retired IAS officer brings over four decades of administrative experience to ITC's board.

Kant has held several prestigious positions including Secretary to the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, CEO of Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation, and Tourism Secretary to the Government of Kerala. He has authored books including "Made in India," "Incredible India 2.0," and "Branding India - An Incredible Story."

Hemant Malik Re-appointed as Wholetime Director

Shareholders have also approved the re-appointment of Mr. Hemant Malik as a Wholetime Director for a two-year term effective from August 12, 2026. The 59-year-old executive currently serves as Divisional Chief Executive of the Foods Business Division.

Malik has extensive experience across multiple ITC businesses including Tobacco & Foods and the Trade Marketing & Distribution (TM&D) Vertical. He was instrumental in launching and developing key food brands including Aashirvaad, Sunfeast, Bingo, YiPPee, and Kitchens of India.

Remuneration Structure

The approved remuneration packages reflect the strategic importance of these appointments:

Strategic Implications

These appointments represent ITC's commitment to combining seasoned governance expertise with operational excellence. Kant's extensive policy-making background and economic reform experience are expected to provide valuable strategic insights, while Malik's re-appointment ensures continuity in ITC's successful FMCG operations.

The company has confirmed that both directors have not been debarred from holding directorship positions by SEBI or any other regulatory authority, ensuring compliance with corporate governance standards.