Fashion brand MD ignores summons, Bombay high court issues warrant

MUMBAI: Bombay high court has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against fashion designer Riyaz Ganji of fashion brand Libas in a contempt petition filed over alleged non-disclosure of assets and unpaid dues, saying he deserves "no sympathy or mercy" for his conduct.

Justice Abhay Ahuja took serious note of Ganji's absence despite being being directed to remain present before the court and asked police to ensure his presence on April 27, the next date of hearing. He observed that Ganji's conduct showed disregard for the judicial process. The April 2 order was made available on Monday.

HC was hearing a plea filed by a firm, G S Majestic Developers Pvt Ltd, against Libas Designs Ltd and others. Ganji is Libas Designs's managing director.

The dispute stemmed from Libas's franchisee store in a mall in Ludhiana, Punjab, where it exited the premises without payment of contractual dues. HC noted that the details of the brand's stores provided were vague, mentioning only locations such as Mumbai's Kurla and Pedder Road as well as Ludhiana without the exact addresses, making it difficult to proceed with attachment.

The court also restrained Ganji, his company and its directors from dealing with or disposing of any asset, movable or immovable, until further orders.