Tag: Bombay High Court

Business

Malabar Gold & Diamonds Reaffirms Commitment to Values, Transparency & Responsibility

Tanisha Cardozo

Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the world’s largest jewelry retailers, has reaffirmed its dedication to ethical conduct, cultural sensitivity, and transparency in an internal message to its 27,500 employees.

In an email seen by this publication, the company expressed immense pride in being rooted in India’s cultural heritage and guided by its core values of integrity, trust, and respect. “Our foundation of trust is built on values and strengthened by responsibility,” the company stated, adding that these principles define its identity and guide every decision.

The message came amid recent online discussions concerning a past marketing engagement that had generated strong public reactions. “Certain online narratives have circulated incomplete or misleading interpretations about the intent and context of a past marketing engagement, leading to impressions that do not reflect our true ethos or the principles that guide us,” the company clarified.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds also noted that upon learning of the issue, it acted immediately to discontinue the association and terminate the vendor relationship responsible for the campaign. “As an Indian brand, we consider it our moral duty to act with sensitivity, transparency, and respect,” the statement read.

This follows the Bombay High Court’s decision to grant ad-interim relief to Malabar Gold & Diamonds, directing the deletion of all defamatory social media posts, materials, and stories that made false claims against the company.

Reaffirming its identity as a brand that celebrates India’s craftsmanship and diversity, Malabar said, “Being Indian is reflected not only in our products and presence but in our mindset and moral compass. Our decisions are guided by principles, never by prejudice, and we deeply respect the varied perspectives expressed by our stakeholders.”

The company reiterated that it will continue to communicate with clarity and act responsibly. “We reaffirm our commitment to accountability, cultural sensitivity, and maintaining public trust. Malabar Gold & Diamonds will continue to uphold the values that have defined our brand since its inception.”

Established in 1993, Malabar Gold & Diamonds operates over 410 showrooms across 14 countries and employs more than 27,500 people globally. With a turnover of US$7.36 billion in FY 2024–25, it stands among the world’s top five jewelry retailers. The company’s continued growth is underpinned by its unwavering dedication to ethical practices, transparency, and social responsibility — values that remain at the heart of its success.

Social

Vantara Offers Support for Madhuri’s Return to Kolhapur, Proposes Satellite Rehabilitation Centre

Tanisha Cardozo

In a major development following a Supreme Court ruling and widespread public demonstrations, Reliance Group’s animal rescue initiative Vantara has issued a detailed statement offering full support for the return of 36-year-old elephant Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, to her spiritual home at Nandani Math in Kolhapur.

🐘 Background: Legal and Public Outcry

Madhuri, revered by the local Jain community, was relocated to Vantara’s wildlife care facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat, following orders from the Bombay High Court and upheld by the Supreme Court of India. The relocation stemmed from a PETA petition that highlighted years of neglect, chaining, and a 2017 incident where Madhuri tragically killed the Math’s priest.

Despite the legal mandates, public sentiment in Kolhapur erupted. Over 30,000 people joined a 45-kilometre silent march. The protests also triggered a telecom boycott, with more than 1.5 lakh users switching from Jio in protest.

📜 Vantara’s Statement

Led by Anant Ambani, Vantara clarified that the organisation:

  • Acted strictly in compliance with court directions
  • Did not request or initiate Madhuri’s relocation
  • Acknowledges the deep cultural and religious significance of the elephant to Kolhapur’s Jain Matha

“We acted only as per judicial direction. If our involvement has caused any distress, we sincerely regret it. Michhami Dukkadam — we seek forgiveness,” the statement read.

🛖 A New Proposal: Satellite Rehabilitation Centre in Kolhapur

Vantara has offered to establish a satellite rehabilitation facility for Madhuri, in collaboration with the Jain Matha and the Government of Maharashtra.

Proposed Features:

  • 🐘 Hydrotherapy Pond for joint pain relief
  • 🌊 Swimming Waterbody for exercise
  • 💡 Laser Therapy for rehabilitation
  • 🛌 Covered Night Shelters for comfort
  • 🌿 Lush Open Spaces (chain-free environment)
  • 🏖️ Sand Pits for enrichment & stress reduction
  • 🏥 24×7 Veterinary Clinic
  • 🪵 Rubberised Platforms & Resting Mounds for arthritis and foot rot recovery

“We do not seek credit. This is not a condition, only a recommendation aligned with best welfare practices,” clarified the Vantara team.

🔁 The Road Ahead

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has stated the government will approach the court again. Vantara has committed to fully supporting any application filed by the Jain Matha and the State.

The land for the facility is to be identified in consultation with all stakeholders. Subject to approvals, Vantara is ready to begin technical and veterinary implementation immediately.

📣 Community Reaction & Closing Note

The Vantara statement has received mixed reactions online, with some praising its balanced approach and others still demanding immediate return of the elephant. The sensitive issue now rests in the hands of the Supreme Court, which will decide on the final course of action.

Business

HDFC Bank CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan Moves Supreme Court Over “Frivolous” FIR by Lilavati Hospital Trustees

allycaralgoa

New Delhi/Mumbai: In a high-profile legal face-off, HDFC Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Sashidhar Jagdishan, has moved the Supreme Court of India challenging an FIR filed against him by the trustees of Mumbai’s prominent Lilavati Hospital.

The complaint, which Jagdishan has termed “frivolous and malicious”, stems from an ongoing dispute involving pending payments that the hospital reportedly owes to the bank. Jagdishan’s legal counsel, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, told the Supreme Court that the FIR had no legal foundation and was merely an attempt to apply pressure during financial recovery proceedings.

“The FIR is nothing but a pressure tactic, meant to intimidate the bank and its officials because they are trying to recover dues lawfully,” Rohatgi said during the hearing.

According to sources familiar with the case, HDFC Bank had issued multiple reminders and initiated standard recovery procedures regarding the hospital’s financial obligations. In response, the hospital trustees reportedly lodged an FIR implicating Jagdishan, which includes allegations that legal experts have described as tenuous and retaliatory in nature.

Rohatgi also expressed frustration that despite multiple attempts, the matter was not taken up by any of the three benches of the Bombay High Court, leaving Jagdishan with no option but to approach the apex court.

The Supreme Court is now expected to consider whether the FIR amounts to harassment and whether it should be quashed or stayed. Legal experts are closely watching the case, as it could set a precedent in disputes involving banks and institutional borrowers, especially in matters of alleged retaliatory legal actions.

The outcome of this case could have significant implications for corporate governance, bank-client relations, and the limits of legal redress in commercial disputes.