Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra has been summoned by the Patiala House Court in a case alleging fraud and cheating tied to the Garam Dharam Dhaba restaurant franchise. This legal development stems from a complaint by Delhi-based businessman Sushil Kumar, who claims he was misled into investing substantial funds under false assurances of profitability and operational support.
The court's summons, issued by Judicial Magistrate Yashdeep Chahal, implicates Dharmendra and two co-accused under sections of the Indian Penal Code covering cheating, conspiracy, and criminal intimidation. The matter is set for a hearing in February 2025.
The complaint outlines that Kumar was approached in April 2018 with a proposal to establish a franchise on a prominent highway in Uttar Pradesh. The complainant alleges being promised a profitable venture with projected turnovers similar to existing outlets in Connaught Place, Delhi, and Murthal, Haryana. However, the promised assistance for setting up operations allegedly never materialized, despite significant financial contributions, including an initial payment of ₹17.7 lakhs and subsequent expenses exceeding ₹63 lakhs for securing land and business arrangements.
The businessman further claims that attempts to seek clarifications from the respondents were met with threats, escalating his accusations of fraud and intimidation. Dharmendra, known for his illustrious career in Indian cinema, has yet to respond publicly to these allegations.
The Garam Dharam Dhaba brand, inspired by Dharmendra’s persona, is a popular chain of North Indian-style restaurants, leveraging his legacy in Indian cinema to attract patrons. The case underscores the legal risks associated with celebrity-backed ventures, where franchisees often invest based on the perceived goodwill of associated public figures.