Khadi Commission files case against woman for selling fake masks

Taking strict note of fake masks being sold in the name of khadi and advertised on the social media the Khadi and Village Industries Commission KVIC on Monday lodged a complaint with the police against a Chandigarh residentIn its complaint filed with the Senior Superintendent of Police in Chandigarh KVIC alleged that a woman Khushboo was unauthorisedly selling face masks branding them as khadi and using the prime ministers photograph on packetsThe masks being sold by the woman also had logos of khadi and the central governments Make in India and Vocal for Local initiatives besides the prime ministers photograph to create a false impression that her portal has the authorisation of selling khadi products it saidSpeaking about the complaint KVIC chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena said We will not spare any individual or private firms that are misusing khadis name or unauthorisedly using the photograph of the prime minister on products or advertisements This is a serious violation and a criminal act Even in the past we have taken strict legal action against such violatorsHe said KVIC has also formed a team of legal experts to keep a strict watch over any such misuse of khadis brand name anywhere across the online marketing platforms as well as in markets to protect the interest of khadi artisansThe complaint filed by KVIC said This not only created a wrong impression of khadi in public opinion but also misled the online customers looking for genuine khadi masks being sold exclusively by KVIC through its eportalThe complaint further said it has come to the knowledge of KVIC that the Chandigarh woman indulged in the sale of masks in the name of khadi mask without any authority and without permission from KVICIt is further noticed that she is selling the mask by using the registered Word Mark Khadi and its formative mark and widely advertising it the complaint saidFurther she is also using the photograph of the prime minister in the advertising materials and it is not known whether the permission authorisation of the central government required under Section 3 of the Emblems and Names Prevention of Improper Use Act1950 is obtained by her or not it further readMr Saxena said it is pertinent to mention that KVIC has acted tough against any misuse of its brand name Khadi India and infringement into its trademarkHe said so far KVIC has issued legal notices to over 1000 private firms including Fabindia for misusing its brand name and selling products under the name of khadiKVIC has also sought damages from these firms for causing harm to its reputation and loss of wages to khadi artisans due to sale of fake khadi fabricThe KVIC in the complaint has requested the Chandigarh police to initiate criminal proceeding against the woman that includes seizing and confiscating of goods and all advertisement products hoardings promotional material brochures stationery websites social media handles etcCatch up on all the latest Crime National International and Hatke news here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates MidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest newsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever