Restoration of Suit: SC Upholds Delhi High Court's Decision in Bata India v. Crocs Inc.

Special Leave Petitions Dismissed; Single Judge to Reconsider Suits Uninfluenced by Prior Observations

In a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between Bata India Ltd. and M/S Crocs Inc. USA, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed the Special Leave Petitions filed by Bata India, thereby upholding the decision of the Division Bench of the High Court of Delhi. The case, which has drawn considerable attention due to the prominent brands involved, revolves around the restoration of suits to a learned single Judge in the High Court.

The Supreme Court, comprising Justices Sanjay Kumar and Alok Aradhe, delivered its judgment on November 14, 2025. The apex court was approached by Bata India Ltd. through Special Leave Petitions following a decision by the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court which restored the suits to the file of a single Judge. Bata India sought intervention from the Supreme Court to challenge the restoration order.

In its order, the Supreme Court stated that it was not inclined to entertain the special leave petitions as the Division Bench had only restored the suits to the learned single Judge. The Supreme Court emphasized that the single Judge is at liberty to consider the suits and the applications filed therein without being influenced by the observations made by the Division Bench or the dismissal of these special leave petitions.

The decision marks a crucial point in the legal proceedings, as the Supreme Court has left open the question(s) of law, allowing the single Judge of the Delhi High Court to proceed with the case uninfluenced by prior judgments. This opens up the possibility for a fresh examination of the suits and applications involved in the case.

For Bata India, represented by senior advocate Mr. Neeraj Kishan Kaul and a team of lawyers, this decision means that the legal strategies will need to be recalibrated as the case returns to the single Judge's court. Meanwhile, Crocs Inc. USA, represented by senior advocate Mr. Akhil Sibal and others, will prepare to present its arguments afresh before the single Judge.

The case will now be closely watched as the learned single Judge of the Delhi High Court re-evaluates the suits and applications without the influence of previous observations, potentially impacting the outcome of this high-stakes legal dispute between two major players in the footwear industry.

Bottom Line:

Supreme Court dismissed the Special Leave Petitions regarding restoration of suits to the learned single Judge by the Division Bench of the High Court of Delhi, granting liberty to the single Judge to consider the suits and applications uninfluenced by previous observations.

Statutory provision(s): [None specified directly in the judgment]

Bata India Ltd. v. M/S. Crocs Inc. USA, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2809110