The Karnataka High Court on Monday stayed the investigation in criminal proceedings initiated against fitness platform Cult.fit's co-founder Rishabh Telang on allegations of cheating, forgery and criminal breach of trust, among others [Rishabh Telang v. State of Karnataka].
Justice Anant Ramanath Hegde granted the interim stay on investigation and will hear the matter on September 30.
"Since the matter is heard on merits, further investigation is stayed till the next date of hearing."
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Telang’s brother-in-law and Cult co-founder Deepak Poduval accusing him of forging documents connected to the transfer of the original Cult business and the subsequent closure of Cult Fitness Private Limited. Bellandur Police lodged an FIR against Telang on August 6.
Poduval alleged that he and Telang incorporated Cult Fitness in November 2015 as its only two subscribers, with each holding a 50 per cent stake. According to the complaint, Telang subsequently excluded him from the management of the company and diverted its business, customers, goodwill and revenue to Cultfit Healthcare Private Limited, which was incorporated in August 2016.
Poduval further alleged that his signatures were forged on financial statements and documents submitted to the Registrar of Companies to have Cult Fitness struck off in 2019. He claimed that he discovered the alleged irregularities only after examining the company’s records in May and June 2026.
The FIR invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita concerning criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery, use of forged documents and criminal conspiracy, along with Section 66D of the Information Technology Act.
Senior Advocate Sandesh Chouta, appearing for Telang, submitted the dispute is a commercial in nature and that criminal proceedings have been initiated to harass his client.
Chouta was assisted by Advocates Mohammed Shakeeb, Chetan Tayal and Sathies Kumar from Multi State Collaborative Legal.
Advocate Ahaan Mohan appeared for Poduval.
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