Wednesday, July 5 2006 16:34 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: A local court has deferred till September 30 the hearing on eight criminal complaints filed by actor Salman Khan against directors of Cinevistas Ltd for recovery of Rs 26.42 lakh due to him as professional fees for acting in their film 'Garv - Pride and Honour', released two years ago.

The matter came up before a magistrate yesterday but the hearing was adjourned as both the sides were not present.

Earlier, the magistrate had issued bailable warrants against the directors of Cinevista, Sunil Mehta and Premkishen but cancelled them later after they appeared before the court.

Salman had acted in the lead role in the film for which he was promised Rs 26.42 lakh. Accordingly, eight cheques were issued to him under various denominations but they were dishonoured by the bank with remarks 'payment stopped by drawer.' The actor served legal notice on Cinevista and its directors under section 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act on August six last year. When they did not respond, Salman moved the court, his lawyer Dipesh Mehta told sources.

Salman filed separate complaints of bouncing of eight cheques in a magistrate's court on September 19 last year. A month later, the court issued process against directors of Cinevista.

As they failed to appear, bailable warrants were issued but cancelled after they came before the court.