Moti Mahal Delux Management Services Private Limited, the owner of the renowned Moti Mahal restaurant chain, has filed a trademark infringement suit in the Delhi High Court against a restaurant operating under the name “Moti Mahal Delux” in the Malcha Marg area of Chanakyapuri.

Justice Amit Bansal has issued summons in Moti Mahal's trademark infringement suit and scheduled the matter for hearing on May 21. 

Additionally, the Court has issued notice on Moti Mahal Delux Management Services Private Limited's application for an interim injunction and sought a response from the defendant restaurant.

The Court also directed the defendant, Moti Mahal Delux, to file a written statement in the matter.  

Moti Mahal Delux Management Services Private Limited was represented by Advocate Shreya Sethi, while the defendant, Moti Mahal Delux, remained unrepresented. 

Moti Mahal owns the trademarks 'MOTI MAHAL,' 'MOTI MAHAL GROUP,' 'MOTI MAHAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES,' and 'TANDOORI TRAIL.'

During the hearing, Justice Bansal remarked that since he is familiar with the area in question, he knows that the defendant restaurant has been running for a long time.

“This restaurant is the one in Malcha Marg… It is running from a long time. Since I am familiar with the area, I know it is running from a long time…” the judge said.

The Court observed that since the defendant restaurant operates in the Malcha Marg area, which holds diplomatic significance, there must be some basis for its presence. Consequently, it proceeded to issue summons in the suit.

“He is running it in Malcha Marg. There has to be some basis… We will call him. We'll issue short notice,” the Court said.

In December last year, a coordinate bench had granted a temporary injunction in favor of Moti Mahal Delux Management Services Pvt. Ltd. in a case involving trademark and copyright infringement by its former franchisee operating a similar business.  

The Court had restrained SRMJ Business Promoters Pvt. Ltd. from advertising, selling, marketing, or promoting any restaurant or catering business using the disputed marks or any marks deceptively similar to those of Moti Mahal.