The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the police to investigate allegations of cheating against Gitanjali Gems promoter Mehul Choksi in an FIR lodged in 2016 by the owner of one of its retail franchises.
Justice Mukta Gupta asked the police to file a report, while noting that the probe was at a standstill as the complainant and the accused were looking to settle the dispute through negotiations.
Last December, the court sent both the parties to the Delhi High Court Mediation and Conciliation Centre to enable them to negotiate a settlement.
Justice Gupta, however, said the interim protection from any coercive action granted to Mr. Choksi last April would continue.
“If the petitioner [Choksi] is not found to be cooperating with the investigating agency, this court will consider the desirability of withdrawing the interim protection,” the court said.
Mr. Choksi approached the court for getting the FIR quashed.
Cheating charge
The FIR says Delhi resident Vaibhav Khuraniya had alleged that his company RM Green Solutions Private Ltd. was fraudulently induced into accepting the franchise of Gitanjali Jewellers Private Ltd. After he opened a retail franchise store, the company sent “third grade items” to his showroom.
