The Delhi High Court on Monday reserved its order on Hindustan Unilever Ltd's (HUL) plea against Beco over an advertising campaign. HUL alleged that Beco's campaign wrongly portrayed its Surf Excel and Vim products. The case centers on whether the Delhi court has jurisdiction to hear the matter, given the campaign's reach and impact in the city, according to livemint.com.
During the hearing, senior counsel Amit Sibal, representing HUL, argued that the plea has a clear connection with Delhi. He pointed out that Beco’s website was accessible to consumers in Delhi and allowed them to purchase its products, establishing a territorial link. The court is considering these arguments before delivering its verdict on jurisdiction.
The case highlights the growing legal scrutiny over advertising practices in India, especially in the competitive FMCG sector where brand image is critical. HUL’s Surf Excel and Vim are major products in the market, and disputes like this reflect the intensity of competition. The outcome could influence how courts interpret territorial jurisdiction in cases involving digital platforms and online sales.
The Delhi High Court’s order on the jurisdiction issue is awaited, which will determine if the case proceeds in Delhi or elsewhere. The decision will have implications for similar cases involving online advertising and territorial claims in India’s legal framework.