karnataka-hc-grants-relief-to-cricketer-robin-uthappa

The Karnataka High Court has granted relief to former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa by staying an arrest warrant issued against him in a case involving alleged fraud related to Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) deposits.

 

The order was passed by Justice Suraj Govindaraj of the Vacation Bench after Uthappa sought to quash recovery notices and the arrest warrant issued in connection with the matter.

 

The case revolves around Uthappa’s role as a former director of Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Private Limited. The company has been accused of deducting Provident Fund contributions from employees' salaries without depositing the funds into their accounts.

 

Authorities claim the firm owes Rs 23.36 lakh in damages. Acting on a complaint, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner Shadakshiri Gopala Reddy directed the Pulakeshi Nagar Police to arrest Uthappa on December 4, 2024.

 

Uthappa’s legal team argued that the former cricketer resigned as the company’s director in May 2020 and was not involved in its daily operations even during his tenure.

 

His lawyer emphasised that Uthappa had no role in the alleged mismanagement of funds and should not be held accountable for the company's financial discrepancies.

 

The former cricketer also addressed the issue on social media, stating that his legal representatives had responded to the Provident Fund authorities with evidence proving his non-involvement in the company’s activities.

 

He highlighted that official documents from the company itself confirmed his lack of association with the alleged fraud. Despite this, proceedings against him continued, prompting his decision to seek legal recourse.

 

In his statement, Uthappa urged the media to verify facts before publishing reports and to present the complete picture of the matter. He assured that his legal team is actively working to resolve the situation.

 

Robin Uthappa, a well-known name in Indian cricket, has represented the country in 59 international matches and earned significant recognition in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

 

His cricketing career and reputation as a sportsman have garnered widespread public support, making this legal battle a matter of public interest.