Vikram Bakshi Challenges McDonald’s, Refuses To Close Outlets

Earlier this week, the fast food-loving folk in North and East India were in a massive state of shock when the feud between Vikram Bakshi led Connaught Plaza Restaurants Limited (CPRL) and McDonald’s India resulted in a possible shut down of all 169 McD outlets across the north and east regions. But more than the customers, with their livelihood in jeopardy, it would have been the 10,000 employees who’d have borne the brunt of the fall-out. But they can breathe easy. For the moment, at least.

Bakshi recently donned the rebel hat and said that no McDonald’s outlets will be shutting down. “Let’s say we run operations after the stipulated period. What can McDonald’s do? They cannot use force and strip down the signboards from the stores. They have to go to court and go through a proper process”, he told The Times of India.

As reported earlier, according to the notice issued to the CPRL, which is the Indian partner of the global burger chain, it will no longer be able to use the company’s logo, trademark and recipe, among other things within 15 days of receiving it. However, Bakshi is no mood to pay the notice any heed because the legal battle ensues, he said.

Meanwhile, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has intervened in the matter and has asked McDonald’s Corp and its estranged Indian partner to settle the on going dispute by 30^th August.