In Mumbai, the Andheri Magistrate court yesterday convicted well-known filmmaker, Ram Gopal Varma and sentenced him to three months of simple imprisonment in a cheque bounce case.
The case, which dates back seven years, was filed by a company named Shree, represented by Mahesh Chandra Mishra, against Mr. Varma’s firm under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.
The Andheri Magistrate Court found Mr Varma guilty and sentenced him to three months in prison.
Additionally, Mr. Varma was directed to pay a compensation of ₹3.72 lakh to the complainant within three months. If the compensation is not paid within the given timeframe, Mr Varma will face another three months of imprisonment.
As Mr Varma was absent during the proceedings, the Court issued a non-bailable warrant for his arrest, instructing the concerned police station to execute the sentence. The Court also clarified that Mr. Varma has not spent any time in custody during the trial and hence, there is no provision for a set-off under Section 428 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
In response to the Court’s decision, Mr Varma took to social media, stating that the case relates to a cheque of ₹2,38,000 from a former employee. He emphasized that his legal team is addressing the matter and, as the case is still before the Court, he cannot comment further.
Ram Gopal Varma, known for his works such as Rangeela, Satya, Company, Bhoot, Sarkar and Kaun, has been a significant figure in the Indian film industry.
