The Apex court on Tuesday stayed criminal proceedings for offence of cheating and criminal breah of trust against Bollywood actor Ameesha Patel in connection with summons issued by a trial court in Jharkhand.
A bench of Justices B R Gavai and P S Narasimha issued a notice to the Jharkhand government on the plea filed by the actor, reported NDTV.
The Supreme court said that the proceedings for the offences punishable under section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act be proceeded in accordance with law.
"Issue notice only with regard to the offences punishable under Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Until further orders, the proceedings under Sections 406 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code shall remain stayed.
"We, however, clarify that the proceedings, insofar as offences punishable under Section 138 (cheque bounce) of the Negotiable Instruments Act are concerned, they be proceeded in accordance with law," the bench quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
The latest order by the Supreme Court comes after an appeal was filed by Ameesha against the May 5, 2022 order of the Jharkhand High Court which dismissed the plea seeking quashing and setting aside of the order by a trial court in Ranchi, in connection with a complaint against her.
The court had taken cognizance for the offences under Sections 406, 420, 34 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act on the complaint filed by producer Ajay Kumar Singh.
For the unversed, Ajay transferred ₹2.5 crore in the actor's bank account for production of a movie titled Desi Magic. Ameesha, however, did not proceed with the film as was promised and did not return the money either.
According to Hindustan Times, the high court had said that prima facie, it appears that all the accused persons are liable to refund the amount in question.
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