HC stays criminal proceedings against Pachamuthu

The Madras High Court has stayed all further proceedings in connection with a cheque bounce case pending against SRM University Chancellor T.R. Pachamuthu before a Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Chennai.

Justice S. Vimala, granted the interim relief on a criminal original petition moved by Mr. Pachamuthu besides dispensing with his appearance before the Magistrate Court.

According the petitioner, Gagan Bothra on behalf of S. Mukanchand Bothra filed a criminal complaint before the VII Metropolitan Magistrate, Chennai against the petitioner seeking to punish him for an offence under Section 138 (cheque bounce) of the Negotiable Instruments Act.

As per the complaint, Mr. Pachamuthu, as a partner in Vendhar Movies Production, had borrowed Rs. 7.50 crore from the complainant. In return of the debt, the firm had issued two cheques for Rs. 2.60 crore, which was dishonoured by the bank concerned for want of funds.

Based on the complaint, the Magistrate initiated criminal proceedings and issued summons to the petitioner. Challenging the summons, Mr. Pachamuthu approached the Court submitting that he was never a partner of Vendhar Movies Production and he had no connection with the company.