Dharmendra Sent Legal Notice by Delhi Court in Fraud Case Over ‘Garam Dharam Dhaba’

Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra has been issued a summons by the Patiala House Court in Delhi over allegations of fraud related to the franchise of Garam Dharam Dhaba. The summons comes in response to a complaint filed by businessman Sushil Kumar, who claims he was misled into investing in the Garam Dharam Dhaba franchise.

Allegations of Misleading Investment Offers

According to a report by ANI, Judicial Magistrate Yashdeep Chahal issued the summons after reviewing the evidence presented by the complainant, Sushil Kumar. The businessman alleges that he was misled by Dharmendra and two others regarding the investment in Garam Dharam Dhaba. Kumar claims that he was promised high returns and an opportunity to open a franchise on NH24 and NH9 in Uttar Pradesh.

Kumar stated that he was told that the dhaba branches in Connaught Place, Delhi, and Murthal, Haryana, were generating substantial revenue—around ₹70 to ₹80 lakhs per month. Based on these promises, he was persuaded to invest in the franchise.

Fraud and Breach of Agreement

Kumar’s complaint details how he was led to believe that by investing ₹41 lakhs, he would receive a 7% profit on his investment. However, he alleges that after several meetings and email communications, the demand escalated to a total investment of ₹63 lakhs, plus taxes. Additionally, he was required to arrange land for the business.

The complainant claims that after making a payment of ₹18 lakhs through a cheque and another cash payment, he was suddenly unable to reach any of the accused. He also states that despite buying land in November 2018, there was no follow-up on the land inspection or business development, prompting him to accuse Dharmendra and his associates of fraud.

Dharmendra’s Response to the Allegations

Dharmendra, along with the other accused individuals, has been asked to appear in court under sections 420 (cheating), 120B (conspiracy), and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code. However, in a statement to Dainik Bhaskar, CEO of Sunny Super Sound and Vijeta Films, Nishish Mubarak, clarified that neither Dharmendra nor his associates had received any legal notices regarding the issue.

Mubarak further clarified that Dharmendra is not involved in running Garam Dharam Dhaba but is merely associated with the brand name. “The promoters are using Dharmendra’s name without his permission, and we have already issued a notice to have his name removed. If they plan to offer a franchise, they would need permission from Dharmendra first, which was never granted,” Mubarak added.

The Case Timeline and Next Steps

The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of a well-known celebrity like Dharmendra. The next hearing for the case is scheduled for February 20, 2025. Legal experts and observers will be keeping a close watch on the developments in this high-profile fraud case.

This legal controversy highlights the potential risks of business investments involving celebrity endorsements and the importance of thorough due diligence before committing to franchise ventures. As the case progresses, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the complexities surrounding the Garam Dharam Dhaba franchise.