Karnataka High Court Halts Arrest Warrant for Former Cricketer Uthappa in EPF Case
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Bengaluru, Dec 31 (NationPress) The Vacation Bench of the Karnataka High Court has, on Tuesday, temporarily suspended the arrest warrant against former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa concerning a case of Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) default.
The order was issued by the Bench presided over by Justice Suraj Govindaraj.
Uthappa had filed a petition to annul the arrest warrant that was issued against him.
Senior attorney Prabhuling Navadgi, representing Uthappa, argued that his client had resigned from the company in May 2020 and was not engaged in the daily operations of the business during his tenure.
He emphasized that since Uthappa was not part of the day-to-day management, he should not be classified as an employer under the EPF Act.
Uthappa, who was facing an arrest warrant for alleged EPF fraud, previously stated that he had no involvement in the daily affairs of the business and that the PF officials continued their actions despite his clarifications.
Previously, the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), under the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, had contacted the Bengaluru Police for assistance in enforcing the arrest warrant against Uthappa.
Uthappa clarified, “In light of the recent developments regarding the PF case against me, I wish to clarify my involvement with Strawberry Lenceria Pvt Ltd, Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd, and Berryz Fashion House.
“During 2018-19, I was appointed as a director in these companies due to my financial contributions in the form of loans. However, I did not hold an active executive position nor was I engaged in the daily operations of the businesses.
“Due to my busy schedule as a professional cricketer, TV presenter, and commentator, I had neither the time nor the expertise to take part in their operations. In fact, I do not hold an executive position in any other companies I have invested in to this day.”
“Unfortunately, these companies were unable to repay the funds I lent them, prompting me to commence legal actions, which are still ongoing. I also resigned from my directorship several years ago.”
“When the Provident Fund authorities issued notices demanding payment of dues, my legal team responded, underscoring my lack of involvement in these companies and presented documentation affirming my non-involvement. Nevertheless, the Provident Fund authorities have persisted with their actions,” Uthappa stated.
Earlier, Regional PF Commissioner-II and Recovery Officer K.R. Puram Shadakshara Gopala Reddy had sent a written request to the Inspector of Pulikeshi Nagar police station in Bengaluru for assistance in executing the arrest warrant against Uthappa in connection with the case.
