A Delhi court summoned veteran actor Dharmendra in a cheating case related to the Garam Dharam Dhaba franchise. The complainant alleges investing Rs. 63 lakh into the franchise but claims to have received no response or returns from the accused parties. The case centers on alleged fraud and breach of trust in the business agreement. The court’s summons marks the beginning of legal proceedings to address the allegations.
New Delhi: The Patiala House Court in Delhi issued summons to veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra and two others regarding a cheating case linked to the ‘Garam Dharam Dhaba’ franchise.
The summons, issued by Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Yashdeep Chahal, follows a complaint by Delhi businessman Sushil Kumar, who alleges he was deceived into investing in the franchise.
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The judge stated in the summoning order,
“The evidence on record prima facie indicates that the accused persons induced the complainant in furtherance of their common intent, and the ingredients of the offence of cheating are duly disclosed.”
The court ordered that the accused, including Dharm Singh Deol (Dharamendra), be summoned for offences under sections 420 and 120B, along with section 34 of the IPC. Additionally, the other two accused are to be summoned for criminal intimidation under section 506 of the IPC.
The next hearing scheduled for February 20, 2025.
At the summoning stage, the court noted that only a prima facie case needs to be established, and a thorough examination of the merits is not required. The court also referenced documents, including a letter of intent featuring the Garam Dharam Dhaba logo, which demonstrate that the transaction involved the restaurant and was pursued by the co-accused on behalf of Dharm Singh Deol.
Previously, on October 9, 2020, the court dismissed a request for the registration of an FIR but acknowledged the complaint and instructed the complainant to present evidence.
Advocate D.D. Pandey represented Sushil Kumar in the case. Kumar’s complaint states that in April 2018, the co-accused approached him on behalf of Dharam, offering a franchise opportunity for the Garam Dharam Dhaba on NH-24/NH-9 in Uttar Pradesh.
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Kumar claims he was enticed to invest in the franchise with promises that the Delhi and Haryana branches were generating monthly revenues of around Rs.70 to 80 lakh. He was told that an investment of Rs.41 lakh would yield a seven percent profit, along with complete support in establishing the franchise.
After several meetings and email exchanges, he was reportedly asked to invest Rs.63 lakh plus tax and secure land for the venture. A letter of intent was signed on September 22, 2018, detailing the payment and business terms. Kumar paid Rs.17.70 lakh via cheque, which was later encashed.
Although he purchased the land in November 2018, the respondents never inspected the property or met with him, leading Kumar to claim he was defrauded and suffered financial losses.
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