Hindi film star Dharam Singh Deol, widely regarded as Dharmendra, was summoned by the Delhi High Court on December 5 in a case of cheating which revolved around his food joint ‘Garam Dharam Dhaba’.

This order follows a complaint filed by a Delhi-based businessman named Sushil Kumar, who alleges being misled into investing in this venture.

The summons was reportedly issued by judicial magistrate Yashdeep Chahal, who issued the order under section 420, 120B read with section 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The matter is listed for further hearing on February 20, 2025.

“During the summoning stage, only a prima facie case is to be undertaken for consideration. A detailed scrutiny of the case's merits is not mandatory,” the court observed.

A plea seeking an FIR direction order to be passed by the court was quashed in October 2020. However, it took cognisance of the complaint and sought more evidence from the complainant.

Kumar’s complaint states that he was approached by the co-accused in this case, who represented Dharmendra, and offered to invest in the franchise on the National Highway 24/9, Uttar Pradesh.

He was made to invest in the franchise on the pretence that its Delhi and Murthal franchises were earning ₹70 to 80 lakh monthly.

Kumar was asked to rope in ₹41 lakh into this venture, with a 7% profit promised to him.

Eventually, he invested ₹63 lakh, with taxes added. Alongside, he also arranged the land for this venture.

Kumar alleges in his complaint that the respondents in this case failed to involve themselves in the proceedings, thus naming them in the purported cheating case.