Why Malabar Gold is facing calls for boycott this Dhanteras
What's the story
Malabar Gold & Diamonds, a prominent jewelry brand from Kerala, is facing calls for a boycott on the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras. The controversy stems from the company's association with Alishba Khalid, a Pakistani influencer based in London. Khalid had previously mocked India's Operation Sindoor as a "cowardly act." The backlash intensified after Malabar Gold partnered with her for the launch of their Birmingham showroom in September.
Response
Malabar Gold's partnership with Khalid sparks outrage
The partnership with Khalid drew sharp criticism from social media users, who accused Malabar Gold of being a "sympathizer of Pakistan." This led to the #BoycottMalabarGold campaign going viral and affected footfall at its stores during the festive season. In response, Malabar Gold sought legal recourse from the Bombay High Court against defamatory posts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google.
Legal relief
Court grants ad-interim injunction in favor of Malabar Gold
The Bombay HC granted Malabar Gold an ad-interim injunction, directing the removal of posts calling the jewelry chain a "sympathizer of Pakistan." The court also ordered social media platforms to prevent further defamatory content against the company in connection with Khalid's appointment. This decision came after Malabar Gold submitted a list of 442 URLs containing the allegedly false and harmful content, claiming these posts were damaging sales.
Clarification
Jewelry chain unaware of influencer's nationality at time of hiring
In its petition, Malabar Gold clarified that it had hired JAB Studios, a UK-based agency, to hire influencers for the Birmingham showroom. Khalid was selected before the Pahalgam terror attack in April, and the company claimed it was unaware of her nationality at that time. Following the controversy, Khalid's services were terminated. "Mere utilization of services of a UK-based social media influencer at some point cannot be a reason for spreading defamatory content," Malabar Gold argued in its court plea.