CHENNAI: Holding him guilty in a cheque bounce case, the Allikulam Magistrate Court sentenced noted filmmaker N Lingusamy and his brother to one year of imprisonment.

Thirupathi Brothers Film Media Private Limited, owned by Lingusamy and his brother N Subash Chandra Bose, had borrowed Rs 35 lakh from Paseman Finance Private Limited in 2016. As the loan amount was not repaid for a long period, the total outstanding amount, including interest, has now risen to Rs 48.68 lakh.

Alleging that the cheque issued towards repayment was returned due to insufficient funds, Rahul Kumar, Paseman Finance filed a cheque dishonour case in 2018 before the magistrate court against Lingusamy, who had directed moveis like 'Run', 'Paiyaa' and 'Anjaan', and his brother Subash Chandra Bose, director of Thirupathi Brothers.

After hearing the case, XIX Metropolitan Magistrate Court Egmore Allikulam Magistrate P Magalakshmi held Lingusamy and Subash Chandrabose guilty and sentenced both to one year of imprisonment each.

The court further directed Lingusamy to pay Rs 48.68 lakh, including interest, to Paseman Finance. If he fails to do so, he will have to undergo an additional two months of imprisonment.