Hyderabad-based businessman Arun R Pillai has approached the Delhi High Court, seeking to overturn a magistrate court’s order summoning him in a case filed by French liquor giant Pernod Ricard.
The case stems from a complaint by Pernod Ricard against M/s Indo Spirits, accusing the firm of non-payment. Both entities are embroiled in the Delhi excise policy controversy. Pillai, represented by Advocate Deepak Nagar, has requested the High Court to quash the order dated August 31, 2024, arguing that he is not directly responsible for Indo Spirits’ financial dealings.
Advocate Nagar contended that the magistrate overlooked crucial facts, such as Pillai’s lack of control over Indo Spirits and his non-involvement in issuing the cheques in question.
The plea challenges the magistrate’s cognizance of the offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, asserting that the decision was made without proper evaluation of the case details and legal standards.
Case History
According to the petition, Pernod Ricard had earlier lodged a complaint at the Patiala House Court, alleging that M/s Indo Spirits and four other individuals committed an offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.
Pernod Ricard claims that Indo Spirits, a partnership firm engaged in the wholesale distribution of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, is liable for unpaid dues. The dishonoured cheques central to the dispute were allegedly issued by Indo Spirits.
This legal battle is part of a broader dispute linked to the Delhi excise policy for 2021-22. Both Pernod Ricard and Indo Spirits feature in the Enforcement Directorate’s charge sheet, highlighting the ongoing issue of unpaid dues and policy violations.
