Legal · Healthcare & Life Sciences

Cult.fit co-founder seeks to quash forgery FIR

By Startup Enthusiast · 25 August 2026

What they do

Cult.fit provides fitness services including group classes, gym access, and online workout videos through its app and physical centers across India

Co-founder Rishabh Telang has petitioned the Karnataka High Court to quash a forgery FIR filed by former co-founder Deepak Poduval

The legal dispute emerges shortly after Cult.fit filed draft papers for a ₹950-crore IPO, potentially complicating the company's public listing plans

Co-founder Rishabh Telang has approached the Karnataka High Court to quash a FIR (First Information Report) registered against him.
The Bellandur Police in Bengaluru registered the case on August 6 following a complaint by former co-founder Deepak Poduval.
Poduval alleges that Telang forged his signatures on documents related to the closure of Cult Fitness Private Limited.
The complaint claims these documents were submitted to the Registrar of Companies without Poduval's consent or knowledge.
Telang denies the allegations, stating the complaint is filed nearly 10 years after the events and contradicts existing records.
The court has asked the state government and Poduval to respond by the next hearing on September 2.
The court did not stay the investigation but noted that Telang is not under an immediate threat of arrest.

The legal challenge occurs just weeks after Cult.fit filed draft papers for a ₹950-crore IPO (Initial Public Offering).
Poduval claims he was removed from management and that the business was shifted to Cultfit Healthcare Private Limited without compensation.
Telang's legal team argues that Poduval was aware of the IP transfer and signed assignment deeds in 2017.

Cult.fit operates a fitness platform offering group sessions, gym access, and home workout videos.
Key products include cultpass ELITE, cultpass PRO, and cultpass Home.
Workout formats feature boxing, dance fitness, yoga, and strength training.
The company utilizes a mobile app and website for class bookings and digital content delivery.
It maintains a high rating of 4.8 within its fitness community.

Product: Hybrid fitness model combining digital workout offerings through app with 700+ physical gym locations
Customers: Fitness enthusiasts seeking gym memberships and digital workout programs
How it makes money: Recurring gym membership revenue plus digital subscription