Lodha Family Feud: Brand Infringement and Social Media Wars
The Lodha family, one of India's most prominent real estate developers, is embroiled in a legal battle over brand infringement and social media controversies.
Lodha FamilyReal EstateBrand InfringementLegal FeudMacrotech DevelopersReal Estate MumbaiJan 23, 2025
This controversy centers around brand infringement and a bitter social media war between Abhishek Lodha and Abhinandan Lodha, the sons of Mangal Prabhat Lodha, the founder of the Lodha Group (now Macrotech Developers).
Abhishek Lodha, who heads Macrotech Developers Ltd., filed a brand infringement lawsuit against his brother Abhinandan Lodha in the Bombay High Court on January 20.
The lawsuit has been years in the making, fueled by longstanding disputes over the use of the Lodha brand, accusations about Abhinandan's time at the Lodha Group, and a shadow war on social media.
Abhinandan Lodha left the family business in 2017 to start his own ventures, including The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) under Lodha Ventures.
According to people familiar with the matter, tensions between the brothers started sometime before 2015, coinciding with Macrotech Developers facing a debt crisis and upcoming bond repayments worth Rs 16,000 crore.
The younger Lodha felt the debt had spiraled out of control due to mismanagement by the elder Lodha and wanted to distance himself from the business.
In 2017, the brothers reached a family settlement agreement, but differing accounts have emerged since.
Abhishek Lodha’s representatives claim that Abhinandan received Rs 1,000 crore as part of the settlement, including a non-compete clause preventing him from using the Lodha name in real estate or entering competing businesses like vertical developments.
However, Abhinandan's camp denies this claim.
A spokesperson for Abhinandan said, “The claim that Abhinandan received Rs 1,000 crore is a lie.
In their court case, Macrotech attached the 2017 family settlement agreement, which shows that Abhinandan received Rs 429 crore along with some apartments, totaling Rs 500 crore.
It is disheartening to see a publicly listed company misleading the public through the media.”
The dispute reached a flashpoint recently when HoABL acquired the American Center property in South Mumbai’s Marine Lines for over Rs 56 crore.
Built in 1968, the seven-story structure, spread over 1,400 square meters, was part of the US Consulate and has been vacant for over a decade.
HoABL plans to redevelop the property into a super-luxury residential project with sea views of Marine Drive and Mumbai Harbour, marking its foray into vertical developments, which is not palatable to the other camp.
“Abhinandan never intended to honour the family agreement and always had plans to enter vertical developments.
The acquisition of the American Center three years ago only validates this,” a person close to Abhishek Lodha commented.
On the other hand, a source close to Abhinandan dismissed the allegations, stating, “It is ridiculous for Macrotech to suggest that Abhinandan is perpetrating a fraud when he uses a different brand for his plotted development business, which Macrotech is not involved in.”
Social media has amplified the rivalry.
Influential accounts on the X platform referred to HoABL as a “scandal,” while a prominent real estate influencer, who works with leading developers, referred to HoABL as having a similar-sounding name to Macrotech (Lodha).
Macrotech has alleged that Abhinandan intentionally used the Lodha name to mislead buyers and benefit from the brand's goodwill, stating, “Significant efforts were made to mislead buyers into believing that HoABL is part of Lodha.
Despite efforts by family members to address this, Abhinandan continues to confuse customers deliberately.”
In response, Abhinandan told Moneycontrol, “Lodha Ventures and Lodha Finserv were given to me as part of the settlement process.
The understanding was that the 'Lodha' name would not be used on a standalone basis in real estate, which is why our companies are named Lodha Ventures, The House of Abhinandan Lodha, and Lodha Finserv (non-operational).”
The silence of Mangal Prabhat Lodha, the patriarch of the Lodha family, is noteworthy.
A politician and property magnate, he founded the Lodha Group in 1980 (now Macrotech Developers), building middle-class homes in Mumbai's suburbs.
Abhishek and Abhinandan joined the business in 2003, after which the company expanded significantly.
Insiders suggest Mangal Prabhat has been largely supportive of Abhishek, whom he credits for Macrotech's IPO in 2021 and its financial strategy.
With the next court hearing scheduled for January 27, the legal battle over the Lodha brand and allegations of governance issues during Abhinandan's tenure may take center stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue between Abhishek Lodha and Abhinandan Lodha?
The main issue is a brand infringement lawsuit filed by Abhishek Lodha against Abhinandan Lodha, claiming that Abhinandan is using the Lodha name to mislead buyers and enter into competing businesses.
When did Abhinandan Lodha leave the family business?
Abhinandan Lodha left the family business in 2017 to start his own ventures, including The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) under Lodha Ventures.
What property did HoABL recently acquire, and what are the plans for it?
HoABL recently acquired the American Center property in South Mumbai’s Marine Lines for over Rs 56 crore. The plan is to redevelop it into a super-luxury residential project with sea views of Marine Drive and Mumbai Harbour.
What was the agreed settlement between the brothers in 2017?
The 2017 family settlement agreement included Abhinandan receiving Rs 500 crore, but the exact terms and amounts are disputed by both sides.
Who is Mangal Prabhat Lodha, and what is his role in this feud?
Mangal Prabhat Lodha is the founder of the Lodha Group (now Macrotech Developers) and the patriarch of the Lodha family. He has been largely supportive of Abhishek Lodha and has remained silent during the current legal battle.
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