Shillong: Pawan Bakulsaria, managing director of Mumbai-based Hindustan Research Health Products, has taken his war over the Livsav brand to Meghalaya’s top office. He accuses Sarvan Jhunjhunwala, a local BJP functionary and director at Reliabo Pharma India, of swiping his brand identity. The dispute involves the Livsav liver tonic, including variants like Livsav Plus and Livsav DS.
Bakulsaria claims his firm built the brand across the Northeast starting in 2001. A supply breakdown in 2019 provided the opening for copycats to move in. He alleges Jhunjhunwala launched a competing product under the name Reliabo Livsav DS. Bakulsaria insists trademark authorities have repeatedly rejected applications for that rival label.
The dispute is now in court. Bakulsaria sent a formal letter to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on October 12, 2026. He demanded a meeting to present proof of what he calls a serious case of fraud. He wrote: "I am in serious trouble and seek an opportunity to present my case before the state’s top political authority."
The business owner questions the price point of the competing product. It sells for around Rs 25. He argues that manufacturing and logistics costs make that figure impossible for a legitimate operation. His firm issued a legal notice in 2023 to stop the sales, but the fight continues. Bakulsaria promises to push through every legal channel to protect his market.
The involvement of a BJP official adds heat to the case. The party holds a stake in the state government. While the political connection draws eyes, it proves nothing. Only courts decide the merits of trademark theft and passing off claims. Independent verification of these accusations remains pending as the litigation grinds on.
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