A Kerala Court on Thursday acquitted United Democratic Front (UDF) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Mani C Kappan in a cheating case..The order was passed by a special court in Ernakulam which tries criminal cases against MPs/MLAs..The case against him was filed on the basis of a complaint filed by one Dinesh Menon alleging that Kappan had borrowed ₹2 crore from him in 2010 but had only repaid ₹25 lakh. In 2013, Kappan and Menon entered into an agreement by which Kappan agreed to repay ₹3.25 crores to Menon in instalments. Kappan also allegedly issued post dated cheques towards the payment. Kappan also created a charge over some property in favour of Menon. However, the cheques were dishonoured and Menon learnt that the property had already been offered as security to a bank. Menon filed a complaint and Kappan was consequently charged with offences punishable under Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) , 417 (cheating), and 420 (cheating inducing delivery of property) of the Indian Penal Code..Detailed judgment awaited. .Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.
