Delhi Court Orders FIR Against Ex-Employees Of Fashion Designer

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A Delhi court has ordered the Delhi Police to file a First Information Report against former employees of the prominent fashion designer Pallavi Mohan, known for her brand “Not So Serious,” for criminal breach of trust.

Mohan recently filed a complaint detailing alleged misconduct by her ex-employees.

In her complaint, Mohan accuses former employees Manu Uniyal and Surender Kumar of clandestinely accepting orders from her clients. It is alleged that they produced high-end women’s garments under the “Not So Serious” brand name, utilizing Mohan’s designs and materials, while diverting payments to their personal accounts and those of associated entities, including Kalpana Uniyal and Manusmriti Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd.

The allegations also extend to forgery and the fabrication of records.

Furthermore, the complaint claims that the illicit earnings were funneled to accounts belonging to relatives such as Gunja Devi, Kumudh Kumari, Nand Kishore, Rachit Uniyal, and Shashank Raturi. They are accused of conspiring to defraud Mohan and her family businesses, Not So Serious Trading LLP and Magnolia Martinque Clothing Pvt. Ltd.

The alleged offenses fall under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), specifically Sections 408 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating), and 120B (criminal conspiracy).

Mohan reported that despite her initial complaint to the Delhi Police, no FIR was registered.

In response, she filed a petition under Section 156(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code through her legal representatives, Sumit Gehlot and Nikhil Bhalla of Fidelegal Advocates & Solicitors, urging the court to compel the police to act.

On October 4, 2024, Judge Akshay Sharma of the Saket Court observed that the accused, while employed by Mohan, had launched a competing business. They allegedly designed and manufactured garments under the same label, selling these products to Mohan’s clients.

The court noted that the police inquiry, combined with bank statements from the accused and vendors associated with Mohan, corroborated her allegations.

Consequently, the court concluded that a cognizable offense of criminal breach of trust by a servant, punishable under Section 408 of the IPC, had indeed occurred.

The court directed the relevant Station House Officer to register an FIR against the accused and to submit a compliance report at the next hearing. Mohan continues to be represented by advocates Sumit Gehlot and Nikhil Bhalla from Fidelegal Advocates & Solicitors.