A corporate dispute involving the early founders of Cult.fit has taken a legal turn after former co-founder Deepak Poduval alleged that his signatures were forged on corporate documents connected with the company's affairs.

An FIR registered by Bellandur Police reportedly names Cult.fit co-founder Rishabh Telang and contains allegations including forgery, cheating and criminal conspiracy.

The dispute concerns the original Cult Fitness Private Limited, which Poduval and Telang co-founded in 2015, before the business evolved into the larger Cult.fit ecosystem.

Allegations Centre on Corporate Documents

According to the complaint, Poduval has alleged that documents submitted in connection with the company's corporate affairs carried signatures purportedly belonging to him, which he says were not authorised.

The former co-founder has also raised questions regarding the subsequent winding-up and striking-off of the original company and has alleged that actions affecting his interests were undertaken without his consent.

The allegations have brought renewed attention to the corporate history of one of India's most recognised fitness startups.

Rishabh Telang Rejects Allegations

Telang has denied the allegations of forgery.

His side has reportedly maintained that Poduval was aware of the relevant arrangements and transactions and has disputed the allegations contained in the complaint.

Cult.fit has also sought to distinguish the entity named in the FIR from the company's present operating entities, stating that Cult Fitness Private Limited was a separate company and that the current Cult.fit entities are not accused in the FIR.

Dispute Moves to Karnataka High Court

The matter has also reached the Karnataka High Court, after Telang approached the court seeking relief against the FIR.

The court proceedings do not amount to a finding that the allegations are true or false. The underlying accusations remain contested, while the legal process continues.

Why the Case Is Drawing Attention

The dispute is attracting attention because it reaches back to the early corporate structure and ownership history of Cult.fit, one of India's prominent fitness and consumer-health startups.

Questions surrounding corporate filings, founder relationships, ownership interests, intellectual property and the winding-up of the original entity have now become part of a legal dispute.

For the startup ecosystem, the episode also highlights the importance of maintaining clear documentation, founder agreements, shareholder records and corporate approvals as companies evolve from early-stage ventures into large businesses.

Allegations, Not a Finding of Guilt

At this stage, the allegations contained in the FIR remain allegations. The registration of an FIR does not establish that forgery, cheating or conspiracy actually occurred, and the accused parties have denied the allegations.

The outcome will depend on the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.

The Cult.fit founder dispute therefore remains an evolving legal story, with the questions surrounding the original company's corporate documents and founder arrangements now before the authorities and courts.