Delhi HC Disposes of Plea to Quash FIR Against Drishyam 2 Producer in Fraud Case
The Delhi High Court has refused to quash criminal proceedings against Drishyam 2 producer Kumar Mangat Pathak of M/s Panorama Studios in connection with a financial fraud case related to the Ajay Devgn starrer’s overseas rights.
A bench presided over by Justice Neena Krishna Bansal refused to keep the petition pending or extend any form of interim relief to the petitioner.
The judge noted that the investigation was at a nascent stage and that it would be premature for the court to intervene. Since the petitioner had already joined the ongoing probe, the court held that no interference was warranted at this point. Therefore, the petition was disposed of.
The case reportedly stems from claims of a Rs 4.3 crore fraud linked to the Chinese-language distribution rights of the film in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
In June 2025, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), naming Pathak, Bharat Sevak, and others for conspiracy, forgery of documents, and misrepresentation of rights.
Before the High Court, Pathak argued that the dispute was purely commercial in nature and did not involve any criminal intent. He, therefore, sought quashing of the FIR registered against him, contending that he had been wrongly criminalised. His lawyer submitted that Pathak had extended full cooperation during the investigation, complied with all orders, and furnished the required documents. It was argued that he was simultaneously exploring appropriate civil remedies to resolve the dispute.
According to the complaint, a Delhi-based businessman alleged that he was promised exclusive Chinese distribution rights for Drishyam 2 and was deceived into investing Rs 4.3 crore through forged documents. The complaint further stated that the deal was presented by Bharat Sevak, who introduced himself as an authorised representative of Panorama Studios and a partner at Terra Bento Mines and Minerals.
It was further alleged that the representative had promised a share in the sales revenuei of the film. The representative allegedly produced a term sheet and even facilitated meetings with key members of the production house, including Kumar Mangat Pathak
Sevak is said to have claimed that he transferred Rs 15.75 crore from an agreed deal of Rs 16.40 crore. Panorama Studios, however, denied ever receiving these funds, asserting that the money was sent to an unrelated account.
Pathak countered by presenting evidence that Sevak’s authority was both limited and had lapsed before the deal in question.
His plea to quash the FIR also cited legal provisions and included a public notice from Panorama Studios cautioning others against relying on any unauthorised claims made by Sevak.
Case Title: Mr. Kumar Mangat Pathak v. State (NCT of Delhi) & Anr.
Order Date: 7 August 2025
Bench: Justice Neena Bansal Krishna