The Delhi High Court recently issued directives to prevent those who have obtained franchise licenses to operate a branch of the fast-food chain "Burger King" from deceiving and operating fake websites under the same name.

The matter was heard before the single bench of Justice Prathiba M Singh

For this purpose, the Court has directed the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) not to allow any website registration with domain extensions like '.co.in' or '.in' including 'Burger King'.

"DoT and MeitY will issue orders to block the above mentioned domain names/websites with immediate effect. This will also be implemented by all ISPs," the court said.

Hearing a suit filed by Burger King Corporation against fake franchisees and to protect its brands like 'Burger King', Justice Prathiba M Singh said there is a need to take "strong action" against misuse of domain names.

The court ordered the Delhi Police to investigate the matter as it found that fake websites were being used to fraudulently collect money by misusing the brand and marks of Burger King.

The High Court had earlier passed an interim injunction order against some fake websites using the 'Burger King' mark in an unauthorized manner. Justice Singh extended the interim injunction order to include two more domain names and ordered their immediate suspension.

The High Court had earlier passed an interim injunction order against some fake websites using the 'Burger King' mark in an unauthorized manner. Justice Singh extended the interim injunction order to include two more domain names and ordered their immediate suspension.

The court was informed that an unknown consumer, who wanted to acquire a Burger King franchise, paid ₹ 2,65,000 into a bank account belonging to one such fake website.

Justice Singh said there is an urgent need to stop any further funds from being received in the fraudulent bank accounts and ordered the Bank of Maharashtra to freeze the accounts.

It also directed the bank to investigate how a bank account in the name of 'Burger King India Private Limited' was allowed to be opened without verifying the certificates.

"Bank of Maharashtra is directed to disclose the identity of the account holder, KYC details and any other documents held by him," the court said.