Lara Dutta and Mahesh Bhupathi files case against Gitanjali Gems to get due amount

Mumbai, Dec 21: Brand ambassadors of Gitanjali Gems Ltd, Mahesh Bhupathi and Lara Dutta have filed an insolvency petition as operational creditors against the jewellery manufacturer and retailer, according to the website of National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

The case in the Mumbai bench of the Tribunal by the celebrity couple to recover their contractual dues, is first of its kinds.

Mahesh Bhupathi and his counsel Aagam J Doshi declined to offer any comments. Gitanjali Gems also did not offer any comments.

"Both the brand ambassadors have a two year contract with the company for public appearances. During the tenure of the contract there were some cancellations for which the company did not pay up their dues to the celebrity couple," said a person with direct knowledge of the matter.

"The insolvency petition by the tennis player and actress is for their contractual dues as an operational creditor," said a second person confirming the developments declining to be named.