Bakshi files fresh appeal against termination of franchise pact

NEW DELHI:Vikram Bakshi, Connaught Plaza Restaurants Ltd (CPRL) managing director, on Wednesday filed a fresh appeal in the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), seeking a stay on termination of the franchise agreement by McDonald’s for 169 stores operated by CPRL, even as McDonald’s reiterated that CPRL no longer has the authority to use the McDonald’s brand name.

“Our appeal in front of NCLAT is to be heard tomorrow (Thursday). The Administrator on the board of CPRL in the board meeting today has asked both sides to await NCLAT's decision tomorrow. Whilst the National Company Appellate Tribunal (NCLT) had restored my position as MD from 6th Aug 2013, in the board meeting today I have been elected as MD again for further period,” Bakshi said.

Meanwhile, McDonald’s reiterated that the termination notice period ended on September 5. “CPRL is no longer authorised to use the McDonald's system and its intellectual property. It means they need to stop using the McDonald’s names, trademarks, designs, branding, operational and marketing practice and policies, and food recipes and specifications. We are proceeding with exercising our legal and contractual rights,” a McDonald’s India spokesperson said in an email statement.