The Delhi High Court has directed major online travel agencies (OTAs) to remove, delist or block 22 hotel and hospitality listings identified in proceedings involving the alleged unauthorised use of names incorporating “Orchid”, a registered trademark associated with Kamat Hotels (India) Limited (KHIL). The order, dated 21 August 2026, covers properties across several states and has brought attention to hotel brand protection and property verification on digital booking platforms. 

The listings covered in the proceedings are spread across Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Assam, West Bengal, Kerala and Himachal Pradesh. The names cited include variations such as “The Orchid”, “Orchid Hotel”, “Orchid Inn”, “Hotel Orchid”, “Blue Orchid”, “River Orchid Resort” and “Golden Orchid”. 

The development also puts a spotlight on the role of OTAs in maintaining accurate hotel information and making brand affiliations clear to customers. With digital platforms becoming an important channel for hotel discovery and bookings, accurate property identification is increasingly relevant for both hotel companies and travellers.

The Court has directed leading online travel platforms to take action against the listings identified in the proceedings. According to Kamat Hotels, several OTAs had also taken voluntary steps after receiving notices from the company and indicated their willingness to strengthen precautionary measures and brand protection processes. 

Vishal Kamat, Executive Director, Kamat Hotels (India) Limited, said, “The Delhi High Court’s order reinforces an important principle for the hospitality industry: customers should be able to clearly understand the identity and brand affiliation of the property they are booking. The Orchid has been built over three decades, and protecting the trademark is an important part of protecting the trust associated with the brand. The cooperation from leading OTAs is equally important. As hotel discovery and bookings increasingly happen through digital platforms, stronger verification and brand protection mechanisms can help create greater transparency for both consumers and hotel companies. Wherever possible, we have also sought to resolve such matters amicably by giving property owners an opportunity to discontinue unauthorised use of the name.”

For hotel companies, the use of established brand names without authorisation can create concerns around brand identity, customer acquisition and reputation. For OTAs, the issue highlights the need for accurate property identification and verification as more hotel bookings move online.

The development therefore adds to the wider conversation around how hotel brands and online travel platforms can work towards clearer brand verification and more accurate digital listings as India's hospitality sector continues to expand its online presence.