Prominent Actress Jaya Prada, along with associates Ram Kumar and Raja Babu, has been handed a six-month prison term and a 5000 rupee fine. The trio, former owners of a Chennai cinema hall, recently faced legal consequences as the establishment's financial woes led to closure. Allegations from cinema hall staff emerged, asserting that despite salary deductions, Employee State Insurance (ESI) payments were neglected, resulting in a legal dispute.

In an attempt to offset the cinema hall's financial losses, a portion of Jaya Prada's funds was utilized. This action led the Labor Government Insurance Corporation to pursue legal action against all three partners – Jaya Prada, Ram Kumar, and Raja Babu – over unsettled dues. Following rigorous court proceedings, each defendant was fined 5000 rupees and sentenced to six months behind bars. Jaya Prada, acknowledging the accusations, has committed to resolving the outstanding dues. Initially, she tried to amicably settle the issue by paying taxes, but her appeal was turned down.

Jaya Prada was a distinguished figure in the late 70s' Telugu and Hindi cinemas, celebrated for her beauty and acclaimed roles in films like "Siri Siri Muvva," "Sindur," "Sargam," and "Maa."

The charges leveled against Jaya Prada, issued by the Egmore Metropolitan Magistrate, revolve around her failure to remit Employee State Insurance (ESI) payments for the cinema hall's workforce. 

Despite salary deductions from employees, the owed ESI funds were not forwarded. Dissatisfied workers lodged a formal complaint, accusing Jaya Prada of disregarding her financial obligations. Unsuccessful attempts to directly resolve the dispute prompted them to resort to legal action.

All three individuals – Jaya Prada, Ram Kumar, and Raja Babu – sought intervention from the Madras High Court to halt the proceedings initiated by the Egmore court. Unfortunately, their appeals were dismissed by the high court. 

During subsequent court hearings, Jaya Prada expressed her earnest intention to settle dues and compensate the cinema hall's workers within the confines of the Egmore court. Opposing this, the ESI's legal representative advocated for severe penalties for the accused. Consequently, the presiding judge handed down a six-month prison sentence to the actress.