Why 2 bottles of whisky were produced before CJI Chandrachud in Supreme Court?

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud was left astounded when two bottles of whisky were produced before him in during the hearing in the Supreme Court on Friday. A three-judge bench led by CJI Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra, was hearing an appeal challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision. 

The appeal was filed by liquor company Pernod Ricard, seeking to restrict Indore-based JK Enterprises from producing beverages under the trademarked name 'London Pride.' The Madhya Pradesh High Court had previously dismissed Pernod Ricard's plea, prompting the company to bring the matter before the three-judge bench for further consideration.

During the proceedings, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi sought the bench's permission to present two whisky bottles related to the case. The senior advocate was granted permission, and he proceeded to place the two liquor bottles on his arguing table in the courtroom.

Witnessing the unconventional sight, the CJI and other judges burst into laughter. "You brought bottles with you?" the CJI asked jokingly, to which Rohatgi explained that it was necessary to show the similarities between the contested products. He then elaborated on the alleged trademark violation at the centre of the case.

"The issue is about the trade dress here. One of my judgments in Bombay has this aspect covered wherein the shape of the bottle was involved", the CJI observed.  

The bench then issued a notice and stayed the Madhya Pradesh High Court's order, scheduling the next hearing for two weeks later. Later, Rohatgi asked the CJI to take the bottles with him to which Chandrachud smiled and replied, “Yes, please.”