In Brief
Asian Paints Limited appealed against a High Court order dismissing its victim's appeal under Section 372 of the CrPC challenging an acquittal. The accused had been found selling counterfeit paints bearing Asian Paints' trademark. The Supreme Court held that the appellant, as the company suffering financial and reputational harm from trademark infringement, qualifies as a 'victim' under the Code. The Court clarified that Section 372's victim-appeal provision is independent and not restricted by Section 378, and applies to acquittals at any court level. The appeal was allowed and restored to the High Court for merit-based hearing."
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