Macrotech Developers Accuses House of Abhinandan Lodha of Document Fabrication

Real estate firm Macrotech Developers has accused House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoAL) of fabricating board resolutions, forging signatures, and misusing its trademark to mislead customers. The companies are currently engaged in a legal dispute over the use of the 'Lodha' name, with Macrotech seeking to prevent HoAL from using it for property sales. The case is being mediated by former Supreme Court Justice RV Raveendran.

Macrotech Developers, which sells properties under the 'Lodha' brand, claimed in an exchange filing that HoAL used falsified documents to create the impression that Macrotech had granted them permission to use the trademark. The company alleged that HoAL submitted "purported board resolutions" to government authorities, indicating that Macrotech had provided a no-objection certificate for the use of its trademarks. However, Macrotech stated that no such board meeting took place and that no resolution of this nature had been passed at any of its meetings.

The company further alleged that HoAL attached the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card of an independent director to support its application. Upon comparison, Macrotech claimed that the signature and photograph on the submitted PAN card were different from the actual card. The independent director, according to Macrotech, confirmed that he had not certified any such resolution and that the PAN card in question did not belong to him.

Macrotech’s board convened to examine the alleged fabrications and took serious note of the matter. The company announced that a special committee of directors had been formed to investigate the issue and take appropriate legal action.

The company asserted that the fabricated documents were part of a deliberate effort to misuse Macrotech’s goodwill, brand, and registered trademark. Given the severity of the allegations, the company indicated that it would pursue further legal proceedings if necessary.

As per the The Hindu Business Line ,a spokesperson for Lodha Ventures stated that they were internally reviewing the matter and would respond with a detailed clarification. The company denied all allegations of fraud and forgery attributed to it.

Macrotech and HoAL are involved in a trademark dispute concerning the use of the 'Lodha' name in property sales. Macrotech has sought to prevent HoAL from marketing properties under this brand, arguing that it causes confusion among customers. The matter is being mediated by former Supreme Court Justice RV Raveendran. Initially, the mediation was expected to conclude within 4-5 weeks, but the deadline was extended by three weeks earlier this month.

The dispute between Macrotech and HoAL also has a familial aspect. Macrotech is led by Abhishek Lodha, while HoAL is headed by his younger brother, Abhinandan Lodha. Both companies operate in the real estate sector, leading to competitive tensions. The legal battle over the trademark highlights the larger struggle over brand identity and market positioning between the two firms.

Macrotech has committed to taking legal action through its special committee, while HoAL is expected to present its defense in the coming weeks. The mediation process will continue, and the final resolution of the trademark dispute will determine how both companies move forward in their respective business strategies.