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 , one of India's leading conglomerates, has announced significant changes to its corporate governance structure. The company's Board of Directors, at a meeting held on October 30, 2025, approved two key decisions that are set to reshape its leadership and market presence.

Appointment of Amitabh Kant as Director

ITC has recommended the appointment of Mr. Amitabh Kant as a Director and Independent Director of the company. The appointment, subject to shareholder approval, is for a period of five years, effective from January 1, 2026. Mr. Kant, known for his strategic vision and extensive experience in policy-making, is expected to bring valuable insights to ITC's board.

Voluntary Delisting from Calcutta Stock Exchange

ITC has approved the voluntary delisting of its Ordinary Shares from The Calcutta Stock Exchange Limited (CSE). This move is in accordance with Regulations 5 and 6 of the SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2021.

It's important to note that ITC's shares will continue to be listed on the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited, ensuring nationwide trading facilities for investors. This strategic decision appears to be aimed at streamlining the company's listing profile while maintaining broad market access.

Other Board Decisions

The board meeting also saw other important decisions:

1. Approval of unaudited financial results for the quarter and six months ended September 30, 2025, both on a standalone and consolidated basis.

2. Recommendation for the re-appointment of Mr. Hemant Malik as a Director and Wholetime Director for a period of two years, effective from August 12, 2026.

These corporate governance changes reflect ITC's commitment to enhancing its board composition and optimizing its market presence. The appointment of Mr. Amitabh Kant, in particular, signals the company's focus on bringing diverse expertise to its leadership team.

As ITC continues to evolve its corporate structure, these changes are likely to be closely watched by investors and industry observers alike.