The masks carried the Make in India, Vocal for Local logos as well as the photo of PM Modi
New Delhi:
Taking strict note of the “fake” masks sold in khadi’s name and advertised on social media, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) on Monday filed a complaint with the police against a resident of Chandigarh.
In its complaint to the chief superintendent of police in Chandigarh, the KVIC alleged that a woman, Khushboo, was selling masks “without permission” calling them khadi and using the prime minister’s photograph on packages.
The masks sold by the woman also carried logos of khadi and central government initiatives “ Make in India ” and “ Vocal for Local ”, in addition to the photograph of the Prime Minister to create a “false impression” that its portal is authorized to sell khadi. products, he said.
Speaking about the complaint, KVIC Chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena said, “We will not spare any individual or private company that misuses Khadi’s name or unauthorized use of the Prime Minister’s photograph on products or advertisements. This is a serious violation and a criminal act. Even in the past, we have taken strict legal action against these violators. “
He said that KVIC had also formed a team of legal experts to strictly monitor any misuse of the khadi mark all over the online marketing platforms as well as in the marketplaces to protect the interests of the khadi artisans.
The complaint filed by KVIC said: “This not only created a false impression of khadi in the public opinion, but also misled online customers looking for genuine khadi masks sold exclusively by KVIC through its electronic portal. . “
The complaint further stated that the KVIC had learned that the Chandigarh woman had sold masks in the name of “khadi mask” without any authorization and without authorization from KVIC.
It is further noted that she sells the mask using the registered word “Khadi” and its formative mark and advertises it widely, according to the complaint.
Mr. Saxena said it was relevant to mention that KVIC has acted harshly against any misuse of its “Khadi India” trademark and counterfeiting of its trademark.
He said that so far, KVIC has issued legal notices to more than 1,000 private companies, including Fabindia, for abusing its brand name and selling products under the khadi name.
KVIC also sought damages from these companies for damaging its reputation and for losing wages to khadi artisans due to the sale of “fake” khadi fabrics.
The KVIC in the complaint asked the Chandigarh police to initiate criminal proceedings against the woman which includes the seizure and confiscation of property and all advertising materials, billboards, promotional materials, brochures, stationery. , websites, social media handles, etc.
