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Dispute & Takedown Policy

Last updated: 9 July 2026

HelloBanaras aims to provide accurate, fair, and up-to-date information about places in Varanasi. We understand that directory listings can sometimes contain incorrect information or raise legitimate concerns. This policy explains how we handle disputes, corrections, and takedown requests.

1. Incorrect or outdated information

If you believe a listing contains incorrect details (wrong phone number, outdated hours, incorrect address, place permanently closed, etc.):

  • Use the "Report" or "Suggest edit" option on the place listing page (if available), or
  • Email us at [email protected] with the place name, link, and the correction needed.

We will review and update the listing within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 3–5 business days.

2. Ownership and claim disputes

If someone has claimed a listing for a business or place you own:

  • Email us at [email protected] with proof of ownership (business registration, utility bill, or similar documentation matching the listed address).
  • We will investigate and may suspend the existing claim while we verify ownership.
  • If verified, we will transfer the claim to the rightful owner.

Fraudulent claims may result in permanent ban from the platform.

3. Trademark and business name complaints

If you believe a listing misuses your registered trademark, brand name, or logo:

  • Email us at [email protected] with:
  • Your name, contact details, and relationship to the trademark
  • The trademark registration number (if applicable)
  • A link to the listing in question
  • A clear description of how your trademark is being misused

We will review the complaint and take appropriate action, which may include updating or removing the listing.

4. Defamation and harmful content

HelloBanaras does not host user-generated reviews at this time. However, if any content on our platform (descriptions, tags, or other metadata) is defamatory, misleading, or harmful:

  • Contact us immediately at [email protected].
  • Include the specific content, the listing URL, and the reason you consider it harmful.
  • We will review and remove or correct the content promptly if the complaint is valid.

5. Copyright and data takedown

If you believe content on HelloBanaras infringes your copyright:

  • Send a takedown notice to [email protected] including:
    • Your name and contact information
    • Identification of the copyrighted work
    • The URL of the infringing content on our platform
    • A statement that you have a good-faith belief the use is not authorised

We will review and respond within 5 business days. Content found to be infringing will be removed.

6. Claim verification process

To prevent fraudulent claims and ensure listing integrity, we verify ownership claims through:

  • Email or phone verification — we send a code to the contact number or email associated with the business.
  • Document verification — for contested claims, we may request business registration documents, GST certificate, or a utility bill matching the business address.
  • On-site verification — in rare cases, we may conduct a check via trusted local contacts.

Claims are typically processed within 3–7 business days.

7. Removal of a listing

If you are the verified owner of a place and want your listing removed entirely from HelloBanaras:

  • Email us at [email protected] from the email associated with your claim, requesting removal.
  • We will remove the listing within 5 business days.

Note: place data sourced from open datasets (such as OpenStreetMap) may reappear in future data refreshes. In such cases, contact us and we will add a permanent suppression for your listing.

8. Appeals

If you disagree with our decision on a dispute or takedown request, you may reply to our response email with additional information or evidence. We will reconsider the decision within 10 business days.

Contact

For all disputes, takedown requests, and complaints:

Please include: the place name or listing URL, your name and contact details, and a clear description of the issue with any supporting documentation.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The UDRP (Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy) process is a mechanism established by ICANN for resolving disputes regarding the registration of internet domain names. It allows trademark owners to challenge the registration of domain names that they believe infringe on their trademarks, typically through a streamlined arbitration process rather than through traditional court litigation. In Varanasi, as elsewhere, this process involves filing a complaint with an approved dispute resolution provider, which then reviews the case and makes a determination.
k. The mandatory administrative proceeding requirements set forth in Paragraph 4 shall not prevent either you or the complainant from submitting the dispute to a court of competent jurisdiction for independent resolution before such mandatory administrative proceeding is commenced or after such proceeding is concluded.
When your brand is misused to deceive consumers online (also known as “cybersquatting”), WIPO – the global leader in domain name dispute resolution – can help you reclaim the infringing domain name using an online enforcement tool called the UDRP or a national “ccTLD” variant.
All registrars must follow the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (often referred to as the "UDRP"). Under the policy, most types of trademark-based domain-name disputes must be resolved by agreement, court action, or arbitration before a registrar will cancel, suspend, or transfer a domain name.