In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has ordered Rupa Publications India Pvt. Ltd. to cease the publication and sale of its pocket edition of the Constitution of India, which features a distinctive red-and-black design. The injunction was granted by Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora following a lawsuit filed by Eastern Book Company (EBC), which argued that Rupa’s edition was “prima facie” identical to its own well-established publication.
EBC presented evidence to the court demonstrating that Rupa had allegedly copied the colour scheme, typography, gilt edging, and embossed gold detailing of their product. The court acknowledged that both companies operate in the same market, targeting similar customers, which increases the potential for consumer confusion.
Justice Arora noted that a detailed comparison provided by EBC clearly indicated that Rupa had replicated the layout and design of their Constitution edition without introducing any unique creative elements. The court concluded that an average consumer, upon seeing Rupa’s edition, would likely mistake it for EBC’s product, leading to potential misrepresentation of the source.
Consequently, Rupa Publications has been legally restrained from manufacturing, marketing, selling, or advertising its red-and-black pocket edition of the Constitution, either directly or through any third parties. The court has also mandated that Rupa recall all unsold inventory from the market and remove its listings from e-commerce platforms within two weeks. The case has been scheduled for further proceedings on February 25, 2026.