Priyanka Chopra challenges lower court’s decision in HC

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra on Tuesday approached the Bombay High Court, to challenge the orders of a lower court, which issued summons against the actress in 2004.

Earlier in 2004, a lower court had taken cognizance of a private complaint lodged by Akshay Management, the firm hired by the actress to manage her work commitments. It is learnt that Chopra had signed an agreement with the firm wherein the actress specifically mentioned that she would issue a notice of two months before terminating the said agreement.

Accordingly, in March 2003, the actress put the firm on notice and as per the agreement, the firm’s service was to end in May 2003.

Aggrieved by Chopra’s move, the management firm filed a complaint with the lower court accusing the actress of fraud. In its complaint the firm alleged that the actress has violated clauses of the contract and has failed to pay an amount of Rs 11.6 lakh. The firm stated that the actress worked in a total of nine films (during the firm’s service) and earned around Rs 1.61 crore and was supposed to give 10% of her earnings to the firm as per the agreement.

The firm also alleged that it had given some amount of money to the actress’ now deceased father, who too failed to pay the amount back.

In addition to this, Prakash Jaju, the actress’ manager filed a separate case against the actress under charges of cheating, criminal breach of trust and defamation.

Jaju’s contention was that Chopra has not paid him 5% of her total earnings during his service.

Chopra refuted all the allegations of her former manager and the firm and submitted that she cleared all the dues which were to be paid to both Akshay Management and Jaju. She alleged that Jaju forged her initials on the agreement and also forged the time period of the notice, which was to be issued before calling off his service and made it six months instead of two.

It may be recalled that in 2004 the Bombay HC had stayed the proceedings which were issued by the lower court.

Going by law, if someone files a private complaint in a Magistrate court, the court then issues summons or proceedings against the person (against whom the complaint is) and directs them to appear before the court. Once the person or the accused appears the court grants them bail with bonds and continues with the further proceedings.