Karnataka HC stays arrest warrant against Robin Uthappa in PF fraud case
Bengaluru, Dec 31: The Karnataka High Court granted interim relief to former cricketer Robin Uthappa on Tuesday by temporarily staying an arrest warrant issued against him in a Provident Fund (PF) fraud case.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj, presiding over a vacation bench, also suspended related proceedings in response to Uthappa's petition to quash recovery notices and the arrest warrant.
The Bengaluru police issued the arrest warrant on December 21 based on directives from the Regional PF Commissioner on December 4, which demanded the recovery of dues associated with Uthappa's former role as a director at Centaurus Lifestyle Brands.
The allegations state that the company deducted PF contributions from employee salaries but failed to deposit those contributions, resulting in Rs 23.36 lakh in unpaid dues. Uthappa served as a director from 2018 until his resignation in May 2020.
During the hearing, senior advocate Prabhuling Navadgi, representing Uthappa, argued that the cricketer was not involved in the company's day-to-day operations, in accordance with his agreement with the company's founder, Krishnadas Thandanand Havade.
Navadgi asserted that Uthappa cannot be held accountable as an "employer" under the Employees' Provident Funds (EPF) Act.
Uthappa's legal team, which includes advocates Chintan Chinappa, Sushant Belvet, and Venkatesh Kamath, also emphasised that he had notified the authorities of his resignation and his lack of involvement in the company's operations.
The court has granted interim protection, and further proceedings are awaited.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
