The Supreme Court of India has granted interim bail to filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife, Shwetambari Bhatt, in connection with allegations of a Rs. 30 to Rs. 44 crore financial fraud. The couple had approached the apex court after the Rajasthan High Court denied them bail. This legal development unfolds against a backdrop of accusations of cheating and criminal conspiracy involving misused film production funds.
Background of Allegations
Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife, Shwetambari Bhatt, were arrested on December 7 in Mumbai by Rajasthan Police and subsequently taken to Udaipur. The arrests stem from a complaint filed by Ajay Murdia, owner of Indira Entertainment LLP.
The core of the allegations centers on:
Fraudulent and illegal misappropriation of approximately ₹30 crores to ₹44 crores from Murdia's firm.
The alleged use of fake bills, fake vouchers, and fake payments in collusion with vendors.
Misuse of funds meant for film production for purposes other than agreed projects.
Charges include cheating and criminal breach of trust.
Supreme Court Proceedings and Bail Order
On Friday, a Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard the petition challenging the Rajasthan High Court's decision to deny bail.
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Interim Bail Granted: The Supreme Court ordered the release of Vikram Bhatt and Shwetambari Bhatt on interim bail, contingent upon furnishing the required bail bonds.
Notice Issued: The apex court issued a notice to the Rajasthan government, seeking a response to the petition.
Complainant Impleaded: Ajay Murdia, the owner of Indira Entertainment LLP, was ordered to be made a respondent in the case to present his submissions.
Legal Arguments: Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Bhatts, questioned the necessity of jailing the individuals involved. Counsel for the complainant argued that the case was significant and involved substantial sums.
The case is scheduled for further hearing next Wednesday.
Divergent Sums and Defense Arguments
While the initial reports consistently mention a Rs. 30 crore figure, later proceedings reveal the complainant's side presenting the alleged amount as Rs. 44 crores.
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Defense Perspective: Mukul Rohatgi argued that the complainant's motive might be linked to a desire to have movies made about himself, suggesting a potential personal angle to the dispute. He emphasized that "everybody cannot be put in jail."
Complainant's Stance: The complainant's lawyer countered that a person's gender does not preclude them from committing a crime, implying a broader view of culpability. The complainant alleged cheating involving Rs. 44 crores.
Wider Arrests in the Case
It is noted that Dinesh Kataria from Udaipur and Bhatt's manager, Mehboob Ansari, were also arrested on December 7 in connection with this case.
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