Punjab Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against a man accused of allegedly operating unauthorised yoga centres by using the registered name and logo of a reputed yoga and wellness company after the termination of his contractual association. The complaint alleges trademark and copyright violations, unauthorised use of the company’s brand identity, and misleading customers into believing that the centres were officially affiliated with the company. Police have launched an investigation into the matter.
The case was registered following a complaint filed by the Managing Director of Anant Yogalaya Care Private Limited. According to the complaint, Ashish Kumar Bathla, a resident of Khanna, continued using the company’s registered name, logo and brand identity even after his agency agreement with the company had been terminated. He is accused of running unauthorised yoga centres and organising yoga camps under the company’s name in Khanna, Ludhiana and nearby areas.
The complainant alleged that the accused projected his centres as authorised and officially connected with the company, thereby collecting fees and other payments from customers. The company has claimed that these activities not only caused financial losses but also damaged its reputation and commercial interests by creating confusion among clients regarding the authenticity of the services being offered.
According to the complaint, the accused had signed a formal agreement with the Jaipur-based company on February 2, 2024, and began working as its authorised agent. However, the company later found that he had allegedly violated the terms and conditions of the agreement. Following repeated notices sent through email, the company terminated his contract on September 17, 2025.
Despite the termination, the complaint alleges that the accused continued using the company’s registered name and logo. He is also accused of organising yoga camps in the company’s name and attempting to attract customers near the company’s yoga centre on Pakhowal Road in Ludhiana by offering treatment and wellness services at discounted rates.
Police investigation has further revealed allegations that the accused created multiple fake social media accounts and online pages using the company’s name and logo. Investigators claim that he allegedly modified the official logo by incorporating his own name and operated digital platforms under the title “Ashish Anant Yogalaya.” Through these online platforms, customers were allegedly led to believe that he remained officially associated with the company.
During the investigation, police examined company agreements, digital records, social media content and other electronic evidence. Statements of witnesses were also recorded, and investigators claim that they supported the allegations made by the complainant. Police further stated that the accused was served with notices and summons on multiple occasions to join the investigation, but he allegedly failed to appear or present his version.
Based on the complaint and preliminary investigation, Sadar Police Station registered a case against the accused under Sections 318(4) and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 63 and 64 of the Copyright Act. Investigators are now examining digital evidence, financial transactions and the activities of the alleged unauthorised yoga centres. Police said further legal action will be taken based on the evidence collected and that the investigation will also determine how many people may have been affected and whether any other individuals were involved in the alleged offences.
