The Delhi High Court has directed the removal of websites and social media posts falsely offering dealerships for Reliance Retail brands, including Campa Cola and Independence.

The Court presided over by Justice Mini Pushkarna, has also ordered the Delhi Police’s cyber cell to investigate and identify the impersonators, ensuring a detailed status report is submitted by the next hearing.

Advocates representing Reliance Retail highlighted how fraudsters were soliciting dealership applications using the trademarks of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL).

These impersonators collected money from the public and sent fraudulent acceptance emails, tarnishing the reputation of the Reliance brand.

Court Directives for Immediate Action

Acknowledging the urgency of the matter, Justice Pushkarna issued several key directives:

• Social Media Platforms: Meta, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn are to suspend accounts promoting fake dealerships and share operator details.
• WhatsApp Accounts: Deactivate accounts linked to the alleged fraudsters.
• Banks: Freeze accounts associated with the impersonators and provide KYC (Know Your Customer) details.
• ISPs & MEITy: Block websites promoting these fraudulent schemes.

Additionally, the Court restrained the defendants from misusing trademarks associated with Reliance Industries and granted a dynamic injunction to address future infractions.

Advocate’s Arguments

Advocate Sidharth Chopra, representing Reliance Retail, presented compelling evidence demonstrating the impersonators’ fraudulent activities. He argued that these schemes damaged Reliance’s goodwill and defrauded the public.

Chopra urged the Court to direct the cyber cell to intensify investigations given the serious financial and reputational consequences involved.

Judicial Bench Details and Parties Involved

• Bench: Justice Mini Pushkarna
• Petitioner: Reliance Retail, represented by Advocates Sidharth Chopra, Yatinder Garg, Disha Sharma, Akshay Maloo, Rimjhim Tiwari, and Srishti Dhoundiyal (Saikrishna Associates).
• Respondents: Unknown defendants operating fraudulent schemes under the guise of Reliance.

The Court’s proactive measures aim to safeguard public interest and protect Reliance Retail’s trademarks. With the cyber cell tasked to uncover the culprits, the next steps will focus on holding the impersonators accountable.