The Patiala House Court in Delhi recently issued summons against veteran actor Dharmendra, 89, and two others in a cheating case related to the Garam Dharam Dhaba franchise. The summon is based on a complaint filed by Delhi-based businessman Sushil Kumar, who alleged that he was lured into investing in the franchise. “The evidence on record prima facie indicates that the accused persons induced the complainant in furtherance of their common intent and the ingredients of offence of cheating are duly disclosed,” the judge said in the order passed on December 5. The next hearing is on February 20, 2025.

According to the complaint, the co-accused approached him on behalf of Dharamendra in April 2018 with an offer to open a franchise of Garam Dharma Dhaba on NH-24/NH-9, Uttar Pradesh. He was promised 7% profit on the investment of Rs. 41 lakh. Kumar issued a cheque for Rs. 17.70 lakh in September 2018, which was later encashed.

In November 2018, he also purchased a land at the location for the franchise. However, he alleged that the accused stopped responding shortly afterwards. Kumar has also alleged that he was threatened with dire consequences if he attempted to contact them again.