Manju Lodha, the mother of Abhishek and Abhinandan Lodha, has stepped forward to address the bitter feud between her sons, which has evolved from family disagreements to significant legal battles over trademark rights. Recognized as influential figures within India’s real estate sector, the brothers have found themselves embroiled in disputes about the control and use of the family name and brand.
Recently, Manju Lodha penned a letter to her sons, urging them to end their conflicts. "You have no right against each other's business or shareholding," she wrote, seeking to bridge the divide between her two sons. The letter also outlined six key directives aimed at helping them reconcile and preserve family unity.
Abhishek Lodha, who currently heads the ₹1.18 lakh crore listed firm Macrotech Developers, has expressed respect for his mother's guidance. He stated his intention to abide by her wishes, emphasizing the family's 2017 Amended Family Agreement, which detailed the exclusive ownership of the 'Lodha' brand and related intellectual property rights. According to Abhishek, this arrangement has been legally confirmed, reinforcing his argument against any claims made by his brother.
On the other hand, Abhinandan Lodha reacted differently to his mother’s public plea. He voiced disappointment over the letter being shared beyond the family circle, implying it was employed to create what he termed as a “false narrative.” Reflecting his position, he shared through company communication: "He does hope his family honors all commitments made to him." This statement hints at underlying tensions within the family dynamics.
The roots of this familial discord trace back to 2015 when Abhinandan chose to break away from the Lodha Group to launch his own venture, House of Abhinandan Lodha. This move was formalized by the family agreement established two years later, which included specific restrictions on Abhinandan's involvement in real estate activities within certain territories.
The trademark dispute escalated when Macrotech Developers, led by Abhishek, filed suit against Abhinandan’s enterprise, claiming his use of the 'Lodha' name was creating confusion and misleading consumers. They have demanded ₹5,000 crore as damages for perceived trademark infringement. To navigate this conflict, the Bombay High Court has recognized the need for mediation, appointing former Supreme Court Justice R.V. Raveendran to facilitate discussions between the two sides.
Abhishek has characterized this dispute as “a very painful matter,” and has assured stakeholders and investors within Macrotech Developers of the company's unwavering commitment to its operations. Despite the feud's public nature, he has been clear about his desire not to have it affect business dealings.
Looking to the future, whether the Lodha brothers can reconcile their differences remains uncertain. The coming weeks are set to be pivotal as mediation proceeds and the family navigates their legal and emotional challenges. Manju’s directives provide hope for resolution, urging mutual respect and support from her sons, as she emphasizes the importance of family over business rivalry.
The Lodha name holds significant weight within the Indian real estate industry, and both brothers are recognized as heirs to their family's legacy, often caught between personal animosities and professional obligations. This dispute, marked by legalities and public scrutiny, is not only consequential to them personally but also resonates throughout the broader market, showcasing the delicate balance of familial ties and business ambitions.
With mediation underway, the Lodha family could soon find themselves at a crossroads, deciding between continuing their corporate battles or working toward healing and reunification. Only time will tell whether they will heed their mother’s call for peace and place their family ties above their entrepreneurial pursuits.