Bombay High Court restrains Mrs. India winner from participating in other beauty pageants

The Bombay High Court recently issued a temporary injunction against Sherry Singh, the 2023 "Mrs. India" pageant winner, barring her from participating in any national or international beauty contests until her ongoing dispute with the Mrs India pageant organisation is resolved [Mohini Sharma v. Priya Saggi and Ors].

Justice Arif S Doctor noted that since Singh has not filed any objection to the enforcement of a negative covenant preventing her from participating, there's no reason why the interim relief as sought should not be granted.

The Court pointed out that Singh had yet to appear before it or respond to the suit filed against her (among others), despite ample time having been given to her to do the same.

"I am satisfied that the Plaintiff (proprietor of Mrs. India Inc) has made out a prima facie case for the grant of ad interim relief. This is more so, since Defendant No.3 Mrs. Sherry Singh though served has chosen not to appear today. Also, since Defendant No.3 despite being granted time to file an Affidavit-in-Reply since April, 2024 has chosen not to do so. Hence, there is today no contest and/or dispute to the case as pleaded by the Plaintiff," the Court said in its September 20 order.

The conflict arose when Singh announced her intention to compete in the Mrs. Universe 2024 pageant, which is being held in South Korea from October 2-9, 2024.

Mohini Satyendra Sharma, the sole proprietor of "Mrs. India Inc.," approached the court, alleging that Singh's participation violates the terms of her agreement with the Mrs. India pageant.

The agreement explicitly prohibits winners from entering other competitions without the express consent of the Mrs. India organization for a period of five years.

Sharma's legal counsel urged the Court to grant urgent interim relief against Singh, arguing that according to the terms of the agreement between the pageant and its contestants, the organization has invested significantly in the training, grooming, and mentoring of participants.

Therefore, any future participation in other pageants must have the express consent of Mrs. India Inc.

In an affidavit dated September 19, 2024, Sharma's counsel confirmed that Singh had been properly served with notice regarding the interim application. However, she chose not to appear in court to contest the claims made against her.

As there was no opposition to the prayer granting ad interim relief, Justice Doctor allowed the same.

The Court while granting the interim relief also highlighted the binding nature of the terms and conditions governing the participation of contestants in the Mrs. India pageant.

"Having heard Mr. Shah (counsel for Mrs. India Inc) as also having gone through the Terms and Conditions relied upon and the order dated 25th April, 2024 which records that the Plaintiff would have a right to enforce the negative covenant contained in the Terms and Conditions which formed the agreement between the parties, I am satisfied that the Plaintiff has made out a prima facie case for the grant of ad interim relief," the Court said.

The Court will hear the matter next on October 18.

Advocate Gauraj Shah along with Advocates Akshay Sawant and Ashmita Poojary on behalf of IV Merchant & Co. appeared for Mohini Sharma (plaintiff).

No one appeared for Sherry Singh

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