Ram Gopal Varma Sentenced to 3 Months in Jail in Cheque Bounce Case, Arrest Warrant Issued
Renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, known for movies like Satya and Rangeela, has been sentenced to three months in jail by the Andheri Magistrate Court in a 7-year-old cheque bounce case. The court also issued a non-bailable warrant for his arrest and directed him to pay Rs 3.72 lakh as compensation.
Ram Gopal Varma Sentenced to 3 Months in Jail in Cheque Bounce Case, Arrest Warrant Issued
Renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, known for classics like Satya and Rangeela, has been sentenced to three months in jail by the Andheri Magistrate Court in a cheque bounce case. The case, which has been ongoing for seven years, culminated on Tuesday with the court issuing a non-bailable warrant (NBW) for Mr. Varma's arrest after he failed to appear for the hearing.
In a statement addressing the verdict, Mr. Varma explained, "This is related to a 7-year-old case involving an amount of Rs 2.38 lakh with an ex-employee. It's not about settling the meagre amount but about refusing to give in to exploitation and fabrication attempts. As the matter is in court, I cannot comment further."
Case Details
The case revolves around a cheque issued by Mr. Varma's firm that bounced, a violation under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. This provision penalizes cheque dishonour due to insufficient funds or amounts exceeding the bank's arranged limit.
In addition to the jail term, the court has directed Mr. Varma to pay Rs 3.72 lakh as compensation to the complainant within three months. Failure to comply will result in an additional three months of simple imprisonment.
Background
The case was filed in 2018 by Shree, a company represented by Maheshchandra Mishra, alleging the dishonour of a cheque issued by Mr. Varma's firm. Financial challenges have plagued the filmmaker in recent years, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing him to sell his office.
Previously, Mr. Varma was granted bail in June 2022 after submitting a personal bond and cash security of Rs 5,000. However, Magistrate YP Pujari stated during the sentencing that Mr. Varma would not be eligible for any set-off under Section 428 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, as he had not been in custody during the trial period.
The case underscores the strict legal implications of cheque bounce offences and has drawn attention to the filmmaker's financial struggles and legal woes.
