Pune: The Supreme Court has granted temporary relief to a hotel in Pune by staying the Bombay High Court’s order that had prohibited the use of the name ‘Burger King.’ With this stay in place, the Pune-based establishment can now continue using the name.
The decision was delivered on Friday (March 7) by a Supreme Court bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Chandra Sharma. While granting the stay, the apex court also directed that the ongoing hearing in the Bombay High Court should proceed as scheduled.
Supreme Court’s Observations
The Supreme Court bench remarked, “The hotel in Pune is temporarily allowed to use the name 'Burger King.' However, we also direct that the Bombay High Court’s proceedings on this matter should continue.”
This ruling comes as a major relief for the Pune-based hotel, which had approached the Supreme Court after the Bombay High Court’s earlier order had restricted it from using the ‘Burger King’ name.
Background of the Case
A few days ago, the Bombay High Court had overturned a previous decision of the Pune District Court and imposed a ban on the use of the 'Burger King' name by the Pune hotel. Following this, the hotel management decided to challenge the order in the Supreme Court, seeking a stay.
On hearing the plea, the Supreme Court found merit in the hotel's arguments and decided to stay the Bombay High Court’s decision. This means that, until a final ruling is given, the Pune hotel can continue operating under the ‘Burger King’ name. Despite this temporary relief, legal proceedings in the Bombay High Court will continue. The final verdict on the matter is yet to be delivered.
