The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has directed McDonald’s India on Wednesday to file a reply within 10 days, listing the matter for next hearing on October 23, over the contempt plea moved by its estranged Indian partner Vikram Bakshi.
“Reply to the contempt petition to be filed within 10 days with a copy in advance to the counsel for the petitioners,” said an NCLT Bench headed by Chairman Justice M.M. Kumar. The tribunal has also granted Mr. Bakshi a week’s time to file rejoinder.
Contempt petition
Mr. Bakshi had filed a contempt petition alleging that termination of the licence by the US-based food giant had violated the NCLT order dated July 13, which reinstated him as the Managing Director of CPRL and also refrained McDonald’s Corporation from interfering with the functioning of CPRL.
Earlier, on September 5 NCLT had issued show cause notice to fast food major McDonald’s Corporation and its Indian arm over the contempt plea filed by Mr. Bakshi.
‘Notice to show cause’
The tribunal had directed McDonald’s India Pvt Ltd (MIPL) and other respondents to reply on the “notice to show cause” by September 20. Mr. Bakshi has been at loggerheads with the fast food chain over the management of CPRL after he was ousted from the post of MD of the McDonald’s franchisee in August 2013.
Termination notice
McDonald’s India had asked CPRL not to use its brand system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others, within 15 days of the termination notice which got over on September 6.
Future course of action
However, Mr. Bakshi continues to operate the outlets and said he would not shut down the shutters till the time the entire CPRL board met to decide the future course of action.
