Supreme Court Grants Bail to Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt in High-Profile Rs 30 Crore Cheating Case
The Supreme Court of India delivered a significant ruling on Thursday, granting bail to prominent filmmaker Vikram Bhatt in a multi-crore cheating case registered in Rajasthan. This development marks a crucial turn in the legal proceedings that have captured national attention.
Court Proceedings and Bail Details
A distinguished bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi presided over the case. The court not only granted bail to Vikram Bhatt but also took the important step of regularizing the interim bail that had been previously granted to his wife, Shwetambari Bhatt, in the same matter.
Shwetambari Bhatt had initially received interim bail on February 13, following the Rajasthan High Court's rejection of the couple's bail pleas on January 31. The legal journey for the Bhatts began when they were arrested in Mumbai and subsequently transported to Udaipur in December of last year.
Mediation Suggestion and Case Background
In a noteworthy move, the Supreme Court encouraged both parties to pursue an amicable resolution through mediation while granting bail to the couple. This suggestion underscores the judiciary's preference for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in appropriate cases.
The case originates from a formal complaint filed by Ajay Murdia, the founder of Indira IVF and a resident of Udaipur. Murdia has made serious allegations against the filmmaker and his wife, claiming they persuaded him to invest over Rs 30 crore in a biopic project dedicated to his late wife, with promises of substantial financial returns.
Allegations and Arrest Details
According to the complaint, Vikram Bhatt was arrested after Murdia filed charges of cheating and criminal breach of trust against the filmmaker, his wife, and other associates. The core allegation centers on the purported misappropriation of funds that were collected under the pretext of a film production project.
The complaint specifically alleges that approximately Rs 30 crore was diverted from its intended purpose. It further claims that the Bhatts created fabricated bills under various names to facilitate the transfer of money from the complainant. Rather than being utilized for film production as agreed, the funds were allegedly deposited into the accused's personal accounts and used for their own purposes.
Beyond Vikram and Shwetambari Bhatt, the Rajasthan Police also arrested Udaipur-based Dinesh Kataria and Bhatt's manager, Mehboob Ansari, on December 7, 2025. These additional arrests highlight the broader scope of the investigation and the multiple individuals allegedly involved in the financial scheme.
The Supreme Court's decision to grant bail represents a significant development in this complex legal matter, though the underlying allegations of financial misconduct involving substantial sums remain subject to ongoing judicial scrutiny and potential mediation efforts.
