Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Filmmaker's Wife in High-Profile Cheating Case
The Supreme Court of India on Friday granted interim bail to Shwetambari Bhatt, the wife of renowned filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, in connection with an alleged multi-crore rupee cheating case registered against the couple in Rajasthan. This decision marks a significant development in a legal battle that has captured national attention.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Order
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi passed the bail order while issuing a notice to the Rajasthan state government. The order came in response to a petition filed by the couple challenging the denial of bail by the Rajasthan High Court. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on February 19.
The court directed that Shwetambari Bhatt be released on interim bail immediately, raising questions about whether criminal proceedings were being used as a means to recover money. The bench emphasized the need to scrutinize the nature of the allegations in this high-stakes case.
Arguments from Both Sides
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, along with Siddhartha Dave, represented the petitioners and argued that the dispute originated from a failed film project. Rohatgi contended that the case was given a criminal color unjustly, stating, "The dispute arose out of a failed film project and was given a criminal colour. The complainant wanted films to be made about himself, and the commercial failure of the projects could not amount to cheating." He further asserted, "Both movies flopped. It is not my fault. They cannot put the director and his wife in jail."
In opposition, the counsel for complainant Ajay Murdia argued that the case involved cheating amounting to nearly Rs 30 crore. Additional Advocate General Shiv Mangal Sharma, representing the Rajasthan government, also opposed the bail plea, requesting time for the state to file its reply. Sharma argued, "Until the state files its reply, no interim bail should be granted."
Background of the Case
The case stems from a complaint filed by Ajay Murdia, owner of Indira IVF and linked to Indira Entertainment, in Udaipur. Murdia alleged that Vikram Bhatt and his wife induced him to invest over Rs 30 crore in a biopic on his late wife, promising substantial returns that allegedly never materialized. Following the complaint, the couple was arrested by Rajasthan police from Mumbai in December last year and has been lodged in Udaipur Central Jail since then.
The Supreme Court has also made Ajay Murdia a respondent in the matter, highlighting the complex interplay between commercial disputes and criminal allegations in this case.
Implications and Next Steps
This interim bail grant raises important questions about the use of criminal law in financial disputes, particularly in the entertainment industry. The court's scrutiny suggests a cautious approach to ensuring that legal proceedings are not misused for monetary recovery.
As the case progresses, further hearings will delve into the merits of the allegations and the responses from both the state government and the complainant. The outcome could set a precedent for similar cases involving high-profile individuals and large financial claims.
