Delhi High Court Blocks Websites Offering Fake MG Motor Dealerships, Orders ₹14.55 Lakh Lien

The Delhi High Court has recently blocked three websites allegedly being used to impersonate MG Motor and offer fake car dealerships to the public.

Justice Jyoti Singh restrained those operating the websites from using MG's trademarks and branding or from claiming to represent the company or its agents.

The court also directed the concerned domain registrars to suspend the three websites within 36 hours of receiving the order. Indian Overseas Bank was directed to mark a lien on the bank account allegedly used to collect money in the alleged fraud, to the extent of Rs. 14,55,700.

The suit was filed by JSW MG Motor India Private Limited, which operates the Morris Garages 'MG' brand in India, along with SAIC Motor. The order records that the Indian company was originally known as MG Motor India Private Limited.

In 2023, following a strategic partnership between the JSW Group and SAIC Motor, it was renamed JSW MG Motor India Private Limited, while its business operations, goodwill, and dealership network continued under the MG brand.

JSW MG Motor markets vehicles including the MG Hector, Astor, Windsor EV and Comet EV. It is also the registered proprietor of trademarks and service marks comprising the letters 'MG' in relation to automobiles and related goods and services in India.

The company told the court that in May 2026, members of the public contacted its representatives about fraudulent emails offering MG dealerships. Complaints and enquiries were also received about unknown individuals posing as the company's authorised representatives and offering dealerships.

Three domains were identified in the proceedings: mgmotordealership.net, mgmotorco.in and mgmotordealership.com.

According to the case presented to the court, people saw dealership advertisements on Facebook and, after clicking on them, were redirected to an application form. Those who filled out the form received emails from addresses linked to the first domain. One customer allegedly paid Rs. 12,000 as advance money to secure a dealership. The payment was made to a bank account with Indian Overseas Bank, with the beneficiary name shown as 'MG Motors'.

The first domain, mgmotordealership.net, did not host any content, according to the material placed before the court. The company alleged that it was being used only for defrauding people.

The second domain, mgmotorco.in, was also described as fraudulent. The order records that it had the same content as the first domain, while its registrant details were redacted in the available Whois records.

The third website, mgmotordealership.com, hosted a fully developed dealership portal reproducing the plaintiffs' stylised MG logo, Morris Garages branding, and product photographs. It also carried a “Become a Dealer” form seeking personal and business details from prospective dealers, along with a copyright legend in the name of MG Motor India Private Limited.

Justice Jyoti Singh observed that the plaintiffs had made out a prima facie case for granting an ex parte ad interim injunction. The court also found that the balance of convenience was in the company's favour and that it was likely to suffer irreparable harm if protection was not granted.

The court noted that the company had been carrying on business in India under the Morris Garages 'MG' brand since 2017. Through its predecessors-in-interest, it also had a legacy extending over 100 years.

Justice Singh observed that the websites were using identical MG marks while offering dealerships to members of the public. This was resulting in confusion because customers believed that the dealerships were being offered by MG Motor.

The court held that the use of the MG marks was prima facie infringement under Section 29 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

The court further held that the use of the MG marks for offering dealership services was intended to “encash on the formidable reputation and goodwill of the Plaintiffs” to make unlawful monetary gains.

Justice Singh observed that the conduct was causing irreparable harm to the company's goodwill and reputation and prima facie amounted to passing off.

The court also observed that the confusion and resulting deception were diluting the MG marks and tarnishing the brand's long-standing image and reputation.

The court restrained those operating the three domains, as well as anyone acting on their behalf, from using the MG marks. The order also covers website layouts, graphics, look and feel, designs, logos and images that are deceptively similar to the plaintiffs' website.

The restraint extends to using the MG marks in domain names, email IDs, social media handles and WhatsApp display pictures. Those behind the websites have also been barred from offering services, including dealerships and licences, while representing themselves as MG Motor, its agents, or as having an association with the company.

The domain registrar for mgmotordealership.net was directed to suspend the domain within 36 hours of receiving the order. It must also disclose relevant details about the domain, including payment details relating to its purchase.

The registrar for mgmotorco.in was given the same 36-hour deadline and was directed to disclose the relevant domain and payment details.

GoDaddy.com, the domain registrar for mgmotordealership.com, was similarly directed to suspend the domain within 36 hours and provide relevant domain and payment details.

The proxy registration service provider for the third domain was separately directed to provide available details of the user on whose behalf the domain was registered. It must also disclose details relating to issuance of the domain and payment for its purchase.

Indian Overseas Bank was directed to mark a lien on the relevant bank account to the extent of Rs. 14,55,700, until further orders.

The bank must also provide the account's transaction history from the date it was opened, along with KYC details.

The Department of Telecommunications was directed to provide available details, including KYC records, relating to three phone numbers identified in the order.

Google LLC was directed to provide available details concerning the email ID kumaransnt5@gmail.com.

The protection granted by the court is temporary, with the injunction operating until the next date of hearing. The matter is next listed before the court on October 27, 2026.

The court also directed the concerned service providers and other parties to file compliance affidavits within eight weeks.