Bengaluru, Dec 31 (IANS): The Karnataka High Court Vacation Bench on Tuesday temporarily stayed the arrest warrant against former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa in connection with an Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) default case. The Bench, headed by Justice Suraj Govindaraj passed the order in the matter. Uthappa approached the court seeking quashing of the arrest warrant issued against him.
Senior counsel Prabhuling Navadgi, appearing for Uthappa, submitted that his client had resigned from the company in May 2020 and while in active role, he was not involved in the day-to-day operations of the company. Since he was not involved in the day-to-day operations therefore, he can’t be considered as an employer under the EPF Act, he submitted. Uthappa, who faced an arrest warrant for alleged EPF fraud, had earlier said that he had no role in the day-to-day operations of the business and despite confirming the lack of his involvement, the PF officials were continuing with proceedings.
Earlier, the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), which functions under the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, had written a letter to the Bengaluru Police seeking assistance in issuing an arrest warrant against the former cricketer. Uthappa clarified, “In light of recent news of the PF case against me, I would like to provide some clarification with regards to my involvement with Strawberry Lenceria Pvt Ltd, Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd, and Berryz Fashion House. “In 2018-1.