Veteran actress and politician Jaya Prada has been imprisoned for six-months and fined ₹5000 following a verdict by a Chennai court.
The court found her culpable in a case pertaining to the non-payment of Employee State Insurance (ESI) funds to workers employed at her now-defunct theater.
Alongside her, her business associates Ram Kumar and Raja Babu were also pronounced guilty in connection to the same case.
The allegations emerged when theater employees raised concerns about the ESI funds, which had been deducted from their wages but allegedly not remitted to the Government Insurance Corporation.
The workers' claim highlighted that the deducted amount had not been utilized for its intended purpose, leading to discontent among the affected individuals.
The Labor Government Insurance Corporation subsequently initiated legal proceedings against Jaya Prada and her associates, taking the matter to the Egmore Magistrate Court in Chennai.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that Jaya Prada had admitted to the charges and even expressed intentions to clear the outstanding dues.
Despite her plea and assurances, the court rejected her appeal and opted to impose both a fine and imprisonment.
Jaya Prada's cinematic journey has been a prominent one, spanning the late '70s to the early '90s. She garnered immense recognition and influence in the Hindi and Telugu film industries.
Her notable contributions encompass films like "Sargam," "Tohfa," "Sharaabi," "Maqsad," "Sanjog," "Aakhree Raasta," "Elaan-E-Jung," "Aaj Ka Arjun," "Thanedaar," "Maa," and numerous Telugu productions.
This recent legal verdict marks a significant development in Jaya Prada's multifaceted career, underscoring her presence as both a revered actress and a politician.
The court's decision serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding financial commitments and responsibilities within the bounds of the law.
ALSO WATCH: 'Aakhri Sach' trailer release: Tamannaah Bhatia investigates Burari deaths-inspired case