Delhi High Court orders removal of websites, social media posts falsely offering Reliance dealerships

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the removal of websites and social media accounts that were falsely claiming to offer dealerships of Reliance Retail brands such as Campa Cola and Reliance Independence [Reliance Retail Vs RIL Business.in & Ors]..The Court has directed the cyber cell of the Delhi Police to investigate the matter as well to unmask the impersonators and submit a status report by the next date of hearing. Justice Mini Pushkarna passed the order after being told that money was being collected from the public at large by such impersonators."Considering the submissions made, cyber cell is directed to investigate and identify the exact details of the platforms and websites. Let an (investigation) be carried out and status report be filed by Delhi police cyber cell," the Court ordered. .The Court also ordered social media platforms such as Meta, X and LinkedIn to suspend the accounts through which the perpetrators allegedly induced the general public to approach them for fake dealerships. These platforms have further been directed to give the details of the persons operating these social media pages. The Court directed WhatsApp to deactivate accounts belonging to the alleged perpetrators, based on information provided by the lawyers representing Reliance Retail. Furthermore, the bank operating the accounts of the defendants (alleged impersonators) has been ordered to suspend such accounts and to share KYC (know your customer) details. Additionally, the Internet Service Providers and the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITy) have been directed to block access to the websites offering fake dealerships at the earliest. The unknown defendants have been restrained as well from using the trademarks of Reliance Industries Limited, Campa Cola and Independence. The Court has made this order applicable to future infractions as well by granting a dynamic injunction. .During the hearing today, advocate Sidharth Chopra, who appeared for Reliance, contended that unknown persons were soliciting applications for dealerships for Campa Cola and Independence without due authorisation. These persons were collecting money and sending fake emails confirming a person’s acceptance to run a dealership, the Court was told. Demonstrating the allegations by showing documents and other proofs, he contended that such acts were bringing disrepute to the Reliance brand in the eyes of the public for no fault of theirs. Thus, he sought for urgent interim orders. He said that the impersonators were perpetuating financial fraud by offering financial opportunities that they are not eligible to provide.Furthermore, since the misuse of trademark in this case has consequences on the public at large, Chopra urged the Court to direct the cyber cell wing of the Delhi Police to investigate the issue and file a report..Reliance Retail was represented by advocates Sidharth Chopra, Yatinder Garg, Disha Sharma, Akshay Maloo, Rimjhim Tiwari and Srishti Dhoundiyal from the law firm, Saikrishna Associates.