Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar acquitted in cheque-bounce case
Veteran Bollywood actor, Dilip Kumar has been acquitted of the charges against him in the 1998 cheque bounce case by a Mumbai-court. The case was filed by Smita Shroff against Dilip Kumar and other directors of Geekay Exim India. Smita had complained that the cheque for repayment of Rs.57.61 lakh had bounced. Owing to old age, Kumar had been exempted from personal appearance.
Dilip Kumar-The ultimate method actor
Dilip Kumar, also known as the 'Tragedy King' is a veteran Bollywood actor who ruled the film industry for six decades. For his achievements and contributions to Indian Cinema, Indian government conferred him with the Padma Bhushan in 1991, Dadasaheb Phalke award in 1994, and Padma Vibhushan in 2015. The Pakistani Government awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan's highest civilian award to Dilip Kumar in 1997.
Issued cheques dishonoured by banks
Dilip Kumar was the honorary chairman of Geekay Exim India Limited, a company which was into exports business. The firm took loans from people across the country and later issued cheques for the repayment of loans. Allegedly, some issued cheques were refused to be accepted by banks and then cases were filed against Dilip Kumar and four other top officials of the firm.
Hyderabad court issues warrant against Kumar
A Hyderabad criminal court had issued a non-bailable warrant against Dilip Kumar in 2006. The criminal case was filed by Hyderabad-based Deccan Cements Ltd. under Negotiable Instruments Act , and it had stated that the cheques for Rs.1 crore issued by Geekay Exim India Ltd. had bounced in 1998. The firm had held Dilip Kumar as the second accused, as he was the Chairman.
What is the Negotiable Instruments Act?
The 'Negotiable Instruments Act' states that the person who complains must be able to prove that the individual accused is involved in the day-to-day functioning of an organization.
Bangalore court issues warrant
Bangalore-based Kirloskar Investments and Finance Limited filed a case against Geekay Exim India and its directors. Kirloskar complained that Geekay Exim India had issued a cheque for Rs.54 lakhs in 1996, but the cheque was dishonored by the bank due to insufficient funds in the account. The case was filed against them under 'Negotiable Instruments Act' and a non-bailable warrant was issued.
Karnataka HC relieves Dilip Kumar
In 2009, the Karnataka High Court dismissed the cheque bounce case filed by Kirloskar against Dilip Kumar, and stated that there was no substantial evidence to prove the case. The actor had earlier filed a petition for the warrant issued in 2006.
