After a legal battle spanning nearly 19 years, filmmaker Mehul Kumar has been convicted in nine cases of cheque dishonour, under section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. The judicial magistrate first class, Mazgaon court, Bombay, passed the conviction orders in cases filed by financier Jayantilal Gada.
Gada alleged that he had financed Mehul Kumar alias Mohamed Ibrahim Bloch, known for films like Tirangaa and Krantiveer, for multiple film projects, but the monies remained unpaid despite repeated assurances, agreements, and issuance of numerous repayment instalment cheques.
According to Jayantilal Gada, his company had financed several film projects of Mehul Kumar beginning from the late 1990s, including Kohram and Kitne Door Kitne Paas, based on promises of repayment, profit-sharing, and perpetual revenue participation from various rights. However, after years of alleged defaults, dishonoured cheques, and failed settlement arrangements, Jayantilal Gada initiated multiple legal proceedings, including cheque-bouncing cases, cheating complaints, and recovery proceedings before various courts.
Gada indicated that further legal steps may be taken seeking enhanced punishment and recovery, while several other pending proceedings against Mehul Kumar continue before different courts.
