Aayush Shah takes Akshay Bardapurkar to court over dishonoured cheques

Actor-entrepreneur Aayush Shah, along with his business partner Mausam Shah, has filed multiple legal criminal cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act against Akshay Bardapurkar, founder of Planet Marathi. The cases pertain to a series of dishonoured cheques issued allegedly by Bardapurkar.

Further to the details, Bardapurkar issued nine signed cheques to Aayush and Mausam, co-founders of the PR agency Maars Communicates, known for its association with high-profile brands. The cheques, totaling ₹1,14,30,400, were allegedly dishonoured upon presentation. Of this, ₹87,00,000 was owed to Aayush Shah, and ₹20,00,000 was owed to Mausam Shah, with monthly interest of ₹3,61,500 accruing since May 2024.

In total, Aayush Shah has filed three criminal cases against Akshay Bardapurkar and Planet Marathi Seller Services for the ₹87,00,000 owed to him, while Mausam Shah has filed one criminal case for the ₹20,00,000 owed to her.

Expressing his disappointment, Aayush Shah stated: “This issue goes beyond finances—it’s a breach of trust. Professional relationships rely on transparency and respect, and when those are compromised, it impacts both business and personal bonds.” Mausam Shah added: “This situation is deeply disheartening, especially given the strong personal and professional relationship we shared. Integrity and mutual respect should be the foundation of any partnership.”

In addition to the criminal cases, the Shahs have also announced their intention to file a civil case against Akshay Bardapurkar to seek damages and further accountability.

The legal proceedings are being spearheaded by advocate Krishnagopal S. Tripathi of High Court. The Shahs emphasized the significance of these actions in a joint statement: “This step is necessary not only to address our grievances but also to uphold the values of transparency, trust, and accountability that are essential in business dealings. We hope to set a strong precedent for the industry through this legal pursuit.”

The ongoing cases have raised broader concerns about ethical standards and professionalism in the competitive entertainment and media industry. The Shahs remain committed to achieving a resolution that reinforces trust and integrity in professional collaborations.

Meanwhile, Planet Marathi and Akshay Bardapurkar have issued a clarification.

In the statement Akshay Bardapurkar said that the “allegations made by Ayush are entirely baseless, vague, and devoid of merit. It’s clear that this claim has been fabricated with the intention of misleading and tarnishing my reputation. I have ample evidence to prove that the funds Ayush refers to have already been paid to him.”

The statement further says: “These frivolous accusations are nothing more than an attempt to harm my reputation, and I am fully prepared to defend myself. I have already initiated defamation proceedings against Ayush and Mausam. I have complete faith in the judiciary and am confident that the truth will come to light."

Advocates Behzad Irani and Ruchika Sharma said: "We have been instructed to take all necessary legal actions, including both civil and criminal proceedings, to address these vague and frivolous allegations and protect our client’s interests."

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