Kochi: In a setback to well known Malayalam actor, Devan, who is contesting from the Vadakancherry Assembly constituency, a lower court in Kochi today (Apr 28, 2004) sentenced him to four months simple imprisonment and 24 lakh fine in a case relating to bouncing of four cheques given by him to an NRI.

The sentence was awarded by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ernakulam, P Muraleedharan.

The case relates to the bouncing of four cheques valued at Rs 5.5 lakh each given by the actor to an NRI Keralite, C K Menon, some time ago.

Devan had floated his party called the Kerala People's Party a few days ago and was contesting from Vadakancherry.

The sentence has been kept in abeyance for a month.