Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami was acquitted on Wednesday by the Chief Judicial Magistrate's court in Alipore, Kolkata, in a cheque bounce case filed by his estranged wife, Hasin Jahan. The court cleared Shami of all charges in the four-year-old case, which centred on an alleged ₹1 lakh cheque issued towards household expenses that Jahan claimed had bounced after being deposited.

Background of the Case

In 2018, Hasin Jahan alleged that Shami had issued her a cheque worth ₹1 lakh for household expenses, which subsequently bounced. She approached the court and formally filed a case against him. The cheque bounce matter was one of several legal complaints Jahan filed against Shami and his family members over the years, forming part of a broader and protracted legal dispute between the two.

What the Court Decided

The Alipore court delivered its verdict on Wednesday, acquitting Shami of all charges in the case. Shami appeared in court personally on the day of the verdict. His advocate, Salim Rahman, confirmed the outcome, saying, 'Cricketer Mohammed Shami has been acquitted in the four-year-old case which was filed by his wife.'

What Shami Said After the Verdict

Speaking to the media outside the court, Shami expressed confidence that had never wavered. 'I have paid every rupee that I was required to pay. Whether on or off the field, I always strive to handle every situation to the best of my ability,' he said. He added that he had always expected the verdict to go in his favour because, according to him, he had done nothing wrong.

Wider Legal Battle Still Ongoing

The acquittal in the cheque bounce case does not bring the full legal dispute to a close. Under directions from the Calcutta High Court, Shami currently pays ₹1.5 lakh per month to Hasin Jahan and ₹2.5 lakh per month towards the care and upbringing of their daughter. Jahan subsequently moved the Supreme Court, arguing that this amount was insufficient to meet household expenses. The apex court issued notices to both Shami and the West Bengal government, and during proceedings reportedly questioned whether ₹4 lakh per month was inadequate for the upkeep of a mother and daughter. The maintenance and alimony battle between the two remains unresolved.

Shami's Current Status

Shami is currently representing Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite his on-field commitments, he has remained in the headlines in recent years owing to the ongoing personal and legal disputes with Jahan. The Alipore acquittal marks a significant legal milestone for the pacer, though the broader matrimonial litigation is set to continue.