Fashion Designer’s FIR Against Ex-Employees For Criminal Breach Of Trust

Pallavi Mohan

The Delhi Police, under the direction of a Delhi court, has registered an FIR against former employees of fashion designer Pallavi Mohan, accusing them of criminal breach of trust.

Mohan, internationally known for her brand Not So Serious, filed the complaint after alleging misconduct by her ex-employees, Manu Uniyal and Surender Kumar.

According to Mohan, the accused individuals misappropriated resources and betrayed the trust she had placed in them during their employment. Despite a court order on October 4 to register the FIR immediately, the Delhi Police acted with a delay, registering the complaint only on October 17.

Furthermore, Mohan expressed frustration, stating that no substantial investigation has been conducted so far, and none of the accused have been arrested, even though the court had called for a field investigation. She added that the police appeared to be shielding the accused.

Despite this, Mohan said she and her legal team had been in regular contact with the investigating officer and had provided all necessary documents to support the case.

The accused had previously approached the Sessions Court to seek a stay on the Magistrate Court’s order, but they did not receive a favorable ruling.

The complaint includes serious allegations against Uniyal and Kumar, accusing them of secretly taking orders from Mohan’s clients while still employed with her.

They allegedly manufactured high-end ladies’ garments under the Not So Serious brand, using Mohan’s designs and materials. Payments for these unauthorized products were reportedly diverted to their personal accounts, as well as to accounts linked to their family members and associated companies, such as Kalpana Uniyal and Manusmriti Ayurveda Pvt Ltd.

The complaint also includes accusations of forgery and the fabrication of records to conceal these activities.

According to Mohan, the illicit proceeds were funneled to accounts controlled by the accused’s relatives. She claims the pair conspired to defraud her and her family-owned companies, Not So Serious Trading LLP* and *Magnolia Martinque Clothing Pvt Ltd.

Mohan had initially approached the Delhi Police with her complaint, but no FIR was filed. She subsequently petitioned the court under Section 156(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code, requesting the court to direct the police to register the FIR. On October 4, Judge Akshay Sharma of Saket Court ruled that the accused had operated a parallel business during their employment with Mohan, designing and selling garments under her brand name.

The court also noted that the police inquiry, along with bank statements from the accused and Mohan’s vendors, supported her claims.

Based on these findings, the court determined that a cognizable offence of criminal breach of trust by a servant, punishable under Section 408 of the IPC, had been committed.

The court directed the concerned police station to register the FIR against Uniyal and Kumar. Mohan is represented by advocates Sumit Gehlot and Nikhil Bhalla from Fidelegal Advocates & Solicitors.