Kerala High Court Mandates Mediation for Nivin Pauly and Producer Shamnas Legal Battle
The protracted legal feud between acclaimed actor Nivin Pauly and producer P.S. Shamnas has entered a new phase with the Kerala High Court issuing a directive for both parties to settle their disputes through formal mediation. This development aims to bring a resolution to the complex allegations and counter-allegations that have been simmering for months.
Court Directives and Mediation Process
In a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court has ordered that two related cases—one involving Nivin Pauly and Shamnas, and another between director Abrid Shine and Shamnas—be consolidated and addressed through mediation. The court has entrusted its Mediation Centre with the responsibility of initiating and overseeing discussions between the involved parties to foster a fair and amicable settlement.
To ensure impartiality, the High Court appointed senior advocate George Merlo Pallath as the official mediator. The first mediation session involving Nivin Pauly and P.S. Shamnas is scheduled for the 20th of this month, marking a critical step toward resolving the conflict.
Additionally, the court has instructed the Palarivattom Police to refrain from taking harsh or coercive actions against Shamnas based on the complaint filed by Nivin Pauly. This directive was issued in response to a petition from Shamnas, who sought protection from what he described as overreach by law enforcement, and it remains in effect until the mediation process concludes.
Background of the Dispute
The legal battle stems from serious allegations made by both sides. Nivin Pauly filed a complaint accusing Shamnas of forging his signature to acquire the title rights for the upcoming film Action Hero Biju 2. On the other hand, based on a complaint from Shamnas, the Thalayolaparambu Police registered a cheating case against Nivin Pauly. Shamnas alleged that the filmmakers received money from him but later transferred the distribution rights of Action Hero Biju 2 to another party without his knowledge.
The conflict also extends to the film Mahaveeryar, which was co-produced by Shamnas and directed by Abrid Shine, starring Nivin Pauly, Asif Ali, and Lal. Shamnas claimed in his complaint that the filmmakers concealed financial transactions from him. According to the FIR, the makers took Rs 1.95 crore from him and subsequently sold overseas distribution rights to another distributor for Rs 5 crore. The FIR further noted that Nivin Pauly’s company, Pauly Junior, received an advance payment of Rs 2 crore in connection with the deal, with Shamnas alleging a personal financial loss of Rs 1.90 crore due to these actions.
Previous Court Rulings and Ongoing Developments
Earlier this year, the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-I at Vaikom ordered the filing of a criminal complaint against producer Shamnas. Judge Archana K. Babu concluded that Shamnas had hidden facts and made false claims under oath, with the court noting that these actions appeared intended solely to get a cheating case registered against Nivin Pauly and director Abrid Shine.
On the professional front, Nivin Pauly was recently seen in the films Sarvam Maya and Baby Girl, continuing his work in the entertainment industry amidst these legal proceedings.
Disclaimer: The information in this report is based on a legal hearing as reported by a third-party source. The details provided represent allegations made by the parties involved and are not proven facts. The case is ongoing, and a final verdict has not been reached. The publication does not claim that the allegations are true.
