A court in Moradabad has issued a non-bailable warrant against Bollywood actress Ameesha Patel after she reportedly failed to appear despite multiple summons related to a 2017 breach of contract case. The order came from the Additional Civil Judge (Junior Division), who is hearing a complaint filed by local event organizer Pawan Verma.
According to the complaint, Verma, owner of an event management firm and a resident of Double Phatak, had booked Patel to perform at a wedding ceremony on November 16, 2017, held for Ayush Agrawal in Moradabad. Verma alleged that he paid an advance of Rs 14.50 lakhs to Patel and arranged accommodation and meals for her at a hotel on Delhi Road. However, Patel allegedly did not travel from Mumbai to attend the event on the scheduled date. After the no-show, Verma claimed Patel assured him the entire amount would be refunded.
Payment Dispute and Legal Action
Verma told the court that Rs 10 lakhs was returned in cash, while the remaining Rs 4.50 lakhs was refunded via a cheque that later bounced. Following the dishonored cheque, Verma sought legal recourse. Despite multiple summons, Patel did not appear in court, leading to the issuance of a non-bailable warrant to secure her presence. The complainant also alleged the actress was attempting to evade legal proceedings.
Ameesha Patel’s Response: Claims Settlement and Plans Legal Action
In response, Ameesha Patel took to Instagram Stories to clarify the situation, calling it an “old and settled matter.” She stated that Pawan Verma had signed a settlement deed and received the full agreed amount years ago.“ Media reports suggest certain proceedings at Moradabad by one Pawan Verma. I wish to inform everyone that this is an old matter in which the said Pawan Verma had signed a settlement deed and received the entire agreed amount,” Ameesha wrote.
She added, “Despite this, it seems he has lodged proceedings making false allegations. My lawyers are initiating appropriate criminal proceedings of cheating against this person to expose his lies while I prefer to focus on my work and ignore people who choose to make a public spectacle for gaining attention on false pretexts.”
