Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has landed in fresh legal trouble after a Chandigarh court issued summons to him, his sister Alvira Khan Agnihotri, and the directors of Style and Content Jewellery Private Limited in connection with an alleged cheating case linked to a Being Human jewellery showroom. The court has directed all the accused to appear before it on October 5 to respond to the allegations. The case centers on a businessman who says he invested over ₹3 crore in a Being Human jewelry franchise after being promised robust brand and business supportpromises he claims were never met.
How the Dispute Began
The complainant, Chandigarh-based businessman Arun Gupta, alleges that he was persuaded to establish a Being Human jewellery showroom in Manimajra through attractive business promises made by representatives of the company. According to the complaint, he entered into a formal agreement with Style and Content Jewellery Pvt. Ltd., the company licensed to market and sell Being Human jewellery. Gupta claims that he invested around ₹3 crore in the venture, with nearly ₹1 crore spent on setting up the showroom, including interiors, infrastructure, branding, and other operational expenses. He says he complied with every condition mentioned in the agreement but did not receive the business support that had been promised by the company.
Business Losses After Jewellery Supply Was Disrupted
The largest setback, according to the complaint, occurred when the Being Human jewelry supply allegedly grew erratic and eventually ended after February 2020. The showroom suffered severe financial losses as a result of its inability to satisfy client demand due to inconsistent inventory. The businessman alleges that the company's failure to maintain regular product supply made it impossible to run the business successfully. He further claims that several individuals associated with the company presented an overly optimistic picture of the franchise opportunity, encouraging him to make the investment based on assurances that were never honoured.
Claim Regarding Salman Khan's Presence
One of the major allegations in the complaint concerns the inauguration of the showroom. According to Gupta, he was given the assurance that Salman Khan will open the store himself, which would draw attention and customers. However, according to the complainant, Salman Khan did not attend the launch event. Instead, actor Aayush Sharma, Salman Khan's brother-in-law, inaugurated the showroom. Gupta argues that this was another example of commitments made during the business negotiations that were ultimately not fulfilled.
Company's Stand on the Allegations
Style and Content Jewellery Private Limited has strongly denied the allegations. The company has maintained that Salman Khan had no direct involvement in the business agreement signed with the complainant. According to the company's clarification, the Being Human Foundation had granted the company a licence to use the Being Human brand name for jewellery in 2015. It stated that the management, marketing, operations, franchise support, and sale of jewellery were entirely the responsibility of Style and Content Jewellery Pvt. Ltd. The company argues that Salman Khan was not responsible for the day-to-day functioning or commercial decisions of the jewellery business.
Why the Court Issued Summons
The Chandigarh court issued summons after taking cognisance of the complaint and the material presented before it. Legal experts point out that a summons is a procedural step in the judicial process and does not establish guilt. It simply requires the accused individuals to appear before the court and present their side of the case. The court will examine the evidence and submissions from both parties before deciding whether the allegations warrant further legal proceedings.
Hearing Scheduled for October 5
The matter is now scheduled for hearing on October 5, when Salman Khan, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, and the other accused have been directed to appear before the Chandigarh court. During the proceedings, the complainant is expected to present evidence supporting his allegations, while the accused will have an opportunity to respond and defend themselves. The court will then determine the future course of the case based on the facts and legal arguments presented.
What This Means Going Forward
At present, the case remains under judicial consideration, and no findings of wrongdoing have been made against Salman Khan or any of the other accused. The issuance of summons should not be interpreted as proof of guilt. Instead, it marks the beginning of the next phase of legal proceedings, where both sides will have the opportunity to present their case before the court. As the matter unfolds, the upcoming hearing is expected to clarify the legal responsibilities of the parties involved and determine whether the allegations of cheating and breach of business commitments have sufficient merit to proceed further.
