Chandigarh: A district court in Chandigarh has issued summons to Bollywood actor Salman Khan, his sister Alvira Khan Agnihotri, and the directors of Style and Content Jewellery Pvt Ltd in connection with an alleged cheating case linked to a Being Human jewellery franchise. The complaint has been filed by a businessman who claims he suffered substantial financial losses despite investing nearly ₹3 crore in the venture. The court has directed all the accused to appear on October 5 and submit their replies to the allegations.
The complaint was filed by Chandigarh-based businessman Arun Gupta, who alleged that he was persuaded to invest in a Being Human jewellery showroom after being assured of strong business prospects and comprehensive operational support from the company. Acting on these assurances, Gupta said he invested around ₹3 crore in the project, including nearly ₹1 crore spent on establishing and setting up the showroom.
According to the complaint, Gupta fulfilled all obligations under the agreement signed with Style and Content Jewellery Pvt Ltd, the company authorised to market Being Human jewellery. However, he alleged that after the showroom became operational, the promised business support was not provided. The lack of operational assistance, product supply and commercial backing allegedly resulted in severe financial losses running into several crores of rupees.
The complaint further states that the outlet responsible for supplying Being Human jewellery remained closed from February 2020 onwards. As a result, the showroom allegedly faced persistent inventory shortages and disruptions in the supply chain, significantly affecting sales and business operations. Gupta claims that these circumstances placed his investment under severe financial stress and ultimately caused substantial losses.
The businessman has also alleged that six individuals associated with the company misrepresented the business opportunity and induced him to invest by making false assurances regarding the profitability and long-term viability of the franchise. According to the complaint, he would not have made such a significant investment had the actual business situation been disclosed.
Style and Content Jewellery Pvt Ltd has denied the allegations. The company has maintained that Salman Khan had no direct role in the agreement executed with the Chandigarh businessman in 2018. It stated that the jewellery business was independently managed and operated by Style and Content Jewellery Pvt Ltd under a brand licensing arrangement, and that the actor was not involved in the day-to-day commercial operations of the business.
The company has further clarified that the Salman Khan Foundation licensed the Being Human brand to Style and Content Jewellery Pvt Ltd in 2015. Under this arrangement, the responsibility for manufacturing, marketing, selling and operating the jewellery business rested entirely with the company. Consequently, it argues that Salman Khan cannot be held personally responsible for any commercial or contractual disputes arising from the business.
Following the issuance of summons, the matter is now scheduled for hearing on October 5. Salman Khan, Alvira Khan Agnihotri and the company directors have been directed to appear before the Chandigarh district court and respond to the allegations made in the complaint. The court has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case at this stage, and the issuance of summons forms part of the preliminary judicial process. The future course of proceedings will depend on the responses of the accused and the evidence placed before the court during the upcoming hearings.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
