Mumbai court sentences Ram Gopal Varma to jail in cheque bounce case

Ram Gopal Varma has been sentenced to three months in jail by a Mumbai court in a cheque bounce case on Thursday. The Andheri Magistrate Court issued the verdict after Varma failed to appear for the hearing scheduled on Tuesday, prompting the magistrate to issue a non-bailable warrant for his arrest.

The case pertains to a cheque dishonored under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, which penalizes such offenses. The court directed Varma to pay Rs 3.72 lakh in compensation to the complainant, Maheshchandra Mishra of Shree Company, within three months. Failure to comply will result in an additional three months of imprisonment.

The dispute dates back to 2018, when the complainant filed the case over a financial disagreement involving Varma’s firm. The Satya director was granted bail in June 2022 after submitting a personal recognizance bond and cash security.

Varma, known for films like Shiva and Rangeela, has faced financial challenges in recent years, including selling his office during the Covid-19 pandemic. The director announced his next film, Syndicate and hinted that it's going to be about a secret crime organisation.

The detailed judgment, including the court’s observations, is yet to be released.