Mumbai court has granted interim relief cricketer robin usappa Proceedings in the check dishonor case against him were stayed. Utapa approached the sessions court challenging the summons and proceedings issued by the magistrate court.
A bounced check means that the bank refuses to process the check for payment, usually due to reasons such as insufficient funds in the account, a signature discrepancy, or the check being expired.
Uthappa, who hails from Bengaluru, was involved in a dispute with Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd, an apparel company in which he had invested and was an inactive director. He has filed a case in Bengaluru against the company for non-payment of dues, which is still ongoing.
The case arose after a check issued by Centaurus to Senior Marketing Pvt Ltd, a Mumbai-based company, was dishonored. This resulted in the Advanced Marketing Company filing a complaint against Centaurus and its directors before the Bombay Magistrate’s Court.
Lawyer Siddhesh Borkar, representing Uthappa, said he was a director solely because of his investment in the clothing company, which promised him profits. “Utapa himself was defrauded of over Rs 12 crore by this company. The agreement under which he joined the company clearly stated that he did not hold any position or be responsible for the day-to-day affairs and management of the company’s business,” Bokar said.
Borkar stressed that Uthappa did not issue the check and a complaint was lodged against the company under the Negotiable Instruments Act in 2019 before the check dishonor proceedings were started. He noted that since Uthappa filed these complaints, he was not informed of the Mumbai court proceedings until recently, underscoring his lack of involvement in the day-to-day running of the company.
Bokar advocated hearing Utapa’s plea as soon as possible, citing concerns that the magistrate court trial could begin soon.
The sessions court stayed the trial of Uthappa and issued notice to Senior Marketing Pvt Ltd.