Delhi HC Dismisses Zostel Petition, Rules in Favour of OYO

Delhi HC Dismisses Zostel Petition, Rules in Favour of OYO

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 15, 2025

OYO, the global travel-tech firm, secured a legal victory as the Delhi High Court ruled in its favour by setting aside the arbitral award related to its long-standing dispute with Zostel Hospitality, the parent company of ZO Rooms. The court also dismissed Zostel’s execution petition, bringing closure to the years-long legal tussle.

The court upheld OYO’s stance that it did not breach any agreement arising from the acquisition discussions held with Zostel in 2015. The judgment emphasised that no part of Zostel’s business was ever transferred to OYO and reinforced the legal principle that a determinable contract cannot be specifically enforced, aligning with precedents from the Supreme Court of India.

The dispute dates back to November 2015, when OYO and Zostel signed a non-binding term sheet to explore a possible acquisition. However, the transaction fell through due to failed due diligence and lack of mutual agreement on key commercial terms.

Zostel had initiated arbitration in September 2018, which resulted in a March 2021 arbitral award, a decision OYO promptly challenged. The legal battle continued with OYO securing an earlier win when the court dismissed Zostel’s injunction application in February 2022.

The Delhi HC's latest ruling affirms that no definitive agreement was ever finalised and that essential terms remained unsettled.

OYO, responding to the outcome, reiterated its commitment to technological innovation and operational excellence, continuing its mission to deliver quality accommodation experiences for customers worldwide.


Plan the Perfect Summer Petcation with ELIVAAS’s Pet-Friendly Stays

Plan the Perfect Summer Petcation with ELIVAAS’s Pet-Friendly Stays

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 21, 2025

This summer, pet parents can finally plan the purr-fect vacation with their beloved companions thanks to ELIVAAS, which offers 100+ pet-friendly getaways across scenic destinations in India. Whether you’re craving a calm retreat in the hills or a breezy escape by the beach, ELIVAAS ensures your furry friends are part of the adventure.

From cozy nooks perfect for cuddles to wide open spaces where energetic zoomies are welcome, every property under ELIVAAS is thoughtfully designed to make pets feel at home. With tailored experiences, scenic walking trails, and spacious surroundings, your pet can enjoy the vacation just as much as you do.

image

Why choose ELIVAAS for your summer petcation? The answer is simple:

Pet-Friendly Stays: With more than 100 pet-welcoming options, there's something for every kind of traveler—two-legged or four.

Tailored Experiences: Amenities and activities are designed to ensure your pet stays happy, active, and comfortable throughout the trip.

Seamless Comfort: Each destination offers luxurious settings, lush greenery, and plenty of belly rubs and treats to make the stay unforgettable.

image

Whether it’s a lazy weekend escape or an exciting adventure, ELIVAAS lets you travel stress-free with your pets while making lifelong memories together.

So grab your travel bag, toss in your pet’s favourite toy, and set out for a summer filled with snuggles, fun, and unforgettable moments.

Book your Summer Petcation today with ELIVAAS and let the wagging tails and happy trails begin!


ITTA Partners with Lawyered to Offer 24x7 Legal Support for Tourist Transport Operators

ITTA Partners with Lawyered to Offer 24x7 Legal Support for Tourist Transport Operators

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 21, 2025

The Indian Tourist Transporters Association (ITTA) has partnered exclusively with Lawyered, India’s leading legaltech platform, to provide 24x7 legal support for tourist transport operators across the country. This marks a major step in ensuring real-time legal protection for drivers and operators facing on-road challenges.

Through this collaboration, Lawyered’s LOTS (Lawyer-On-The-Spot) solution will be made available to ITTA members, addressing long-standing legal vulnerabilities such as challans, permit checks, and documentation issues — all without structured support until now.

The partnership was formalised in the presence of senior ITTA leaders including Mr. Satish Sehrawat (President, ITTA), Mr. Kanwarjit Singh Sawhney (Honorary Secretary, ITTA), Mr. Jaspal Singh (Member, ITTA), and Mr. Sukhdev Singh (Member, ITTA).

“The safety, dignity, and legal protection of our drivers and transport operators have been long-standing concerns. With Lawyered, we are setting a new benchmark in legal preparedness and road safety,” said Mr. Satish Sehrawat, President, ITTA.

“We’re proud to partner with a respected national body like ITTA. This partnership validates our core belief that legal safety should be as accessible and routine as roadside assistance,” added Himanshu Gupta, CEO, Lawyered.

As part of the partnership, members will receive access to:

  • A 24x7 legal helpline

  • On-road legal representation

  • Challan-as-a-Service for fine handling

  • RTO-as-a-Service for compliance support

With this, ITTA members gain preferred access to Lawyered’s nationwide network of 75,000+ empanelled lawyers, enabling faster response times and reduced operational downtime.

“This collaboration reinforces our commitment to supporting our operator community and raising professional standards in the tourism transport sector,” said Bobby KS Sawhney, Treasurer, FAITH and Hony. Secretary, ITTA.

“We’re not just solving legal problems — we’re building trust, compliance, and peace of mind at scale,” said Gautam Saraf, Chief Growth Officer, Lawyered.

With a network of over 300 operators, including major names like WTi cabs, ORIX India, ECO Mobility, and State Express, ITTA plays a critical role in shaping India’s tourist transport landscape. This first-of-its-kind partnership with Lawyered ensures that legal protection becomes a standard offering — not an afterthought — for mobility professionals.

Lawyered’s LOTS platform has already resolved 1.75 lakh+ roadside incidents, supporting over 4.5 lakh vehicles and helping transporters save more than ₹53 crore. Trusted by top industry players such as Cars24, ALD Automotive, Everest Fleet, and Park+, Lawyered continues to expand its impact through national alliances like FADA and AITWA.


Vaidya Smita Naram Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at Global Ayurveda Conference in USA

Vaidya Smita Naram Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at Global Ayurveda Conference in USA

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 21, 2025

Vaidya Smita Naram, Co-Founder of Ayushakti, has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 67th International Global Ayurveda Conference held earlier this month in Pennsylvania, USA. The event was hosted by the Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America (AAPNA), a global non-profit organisation committed to promoting Ayurveda across 135 countries.

The four-day conference, themed “Ayurveda and the Mind,” brought together over 45 leading Ayurvedic experts for an immersive experience featuring clinical lectures, case study discussions, Vedic fire ceremonies, meditation, and community satsangs. Key topics included ancient traditions like Ashram logistics and Vedic lineage, healing through awareness, natural anti-obesity remedies, mental health through Ayurveda, and practices such as Vastu and Jyotish.

image

Vaidya Smita Naram was chosen for this prestigious honour for her extraordinary contributions to Ayurvedic science and clinical practice across the globe. A fifth-generation Vaidya, she holds the Siddha Veda lineage, one of the oldest Ayurvedic traditions. Through her institution Ayushakti, which has a presence in over 28 countries, she has played a pivotal role in modernising and globalising Ayurveda.

With over 38 years of experience, she has:
• Trained more than 500 Ayurvedic practitioners worldwide

• Authored 42+ peer-reviewed research papers published in international medical journals

• Created 100+ proprietary Ayurvedic herbal formulations, rooted in traditional practices and validated through modern lab testing

• Provided care to notable personalities like the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, and global dignitaries

Under her leadership, Ayushakti USA has grown into a trusted wellness destination offering:

  • Online consultations using ancient pulse reading diagnostics

  • Herbal supplements tested for safety and efficacy

  • Accredited Ayurvedic education grounded in 2,500 years of healing wisdom

Dr. Smita Naram is not only a renowned pulse reader and detoxification specialist, but also a powerful voice in Ayurveda’s global evolution. Her passion for sharing ancient health solutions continues to inspire practitioners and patients worldwide.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.