The Supreme Court of India on Friday granted interim bail to filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife Shwetambari Bhatt in connection with an alleged ₹30 crore cheating case. The couple had been in judicial custody since December 7, 2025.
Court Orders Interim Relief
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed the release of Vikram Bhatt and Shwetambari Bhatt from Udaipur jail, subject to bail bonds and conditions to be determined by the Chief Judicial Magistrate.
The court also issued notices to the complainant, Ajay Murdia, founder of Indira IVF, as well as to the Rajasthan government. The matter has been posted for further hearing on February 19.
During the proceedings, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the couple, argued that incarceration should not be used as a means to recover money in financial disputes. The bench observed that such cases cannot automatically justify imprisonment and granted interim bail accordingly.
Background of the Case
Vikram Bhatt and Shwetambari Bhatt were arrested in Mumbai and later transferred to Udaipur following a complaint alleging cheating and criminal breach of trust. The complainant has claimed that approximately ₹30 crore was taken in the name of a film project and allegedly misappropriated through fabricated invoices and financial transfers.
The Rajasthan High Court had earlier rejected their bail plea on January 31, stating that granting bail at that stage would not be appropriate.
In a separate development, another complaint was reportedly filed in Mumbai alleging financial irregularities amounting to ₹13.5 crore. The case was registered at Versova Police Station, and the Economic Offences Wing is said to be handling the investigation.
Legal Proceedings Continue
While the Supreme Court has granted interim bail, the investigation remains ongoing. The court clarified that the release is subject to compliance with the stipulated bail conditions. Further proceedings will determine the next course of action in the matter.
