Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt in ₹30 Crore Fraud Case
The Supreme Court of India has provided interim bail to filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife Shwetambari Bhatt in connection with a high-profile fraud case involving allegations of large-scale financial misappropriation. This decision comes after their bail appeals were previously rejected twice, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings.
Background of the Case and Arrest Details
The couple had been in judicial custody for over two months following their arrest on December 7, 2025. They were detained by the Rajasthan Police in Mumbai and subsequently transported to Udaipur. The arrest stemmed from a complaint filed by Dr. Ajay Murdia, the founder of Indira IVF and Fertility Centre, who accused Bhatt, his wife, and others of cheating and criminal breach of trust.
According to the FIR registered in Udaipur, the allegations center on nearly ₹30 crore that was purportedly invested for film production ventures. It is claimed that these funds were siphoned off into personal accounts instead of being utilized for the agreed-upon projects. The complaint further asserts that fabricated invoices were generated under various names to facilitate the transfer of funds, with these documents allegedly used to justify payments that were later diverted for purposes unrelated to the proposed films.
In addition to the Bhatts, Udaipur-based Dinesh Kataria and Bhatt's manager Mehboob Ansari were also arrested on December 7 in connection with the case, highlighting the broader scope of the investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Court Rulings
The interim relief was granted by a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, which directed that the matter be listed for further proceedings later this month. This move follows earlier legal setbacks for the couple, including the High Court's refusal to quash the FIR. The High Court observed that the matter appeared to involve serious allegations of misappropriation rather than merely a contractual disagreement, thereby warranting continued criminal investigation.
Bhatt has consistently refuted the allegations, with his lawyer, Kamlesh Dave, challenging the basis of the police action. As quoted by ANI, Dave stated, "Every payment was made in the knowledge of both parties. There were no such fake or bogus bills. The agreement was done to make two films first and another two on rolling finance." The defense has also maintained that the investigation was launched without a proper review of supporting documents, contending that the police acted "based only on the FIR and not documents."
Future Hearings and Implications
With interim bail now in place, the legal battle is set to resume before the Supreme Court on February 19, 2026. This date marks the next scheduled hearing, where arguments will continue over the substance and scope of the charges. The case underscores the complexities of financial fraud allegations in the entertainment industry and the judicial processes involved in addressing such serious claims.
The developments in this case are closely watched, as they involve prominent figures and significant financial stakes, potentially influencing future legal precedents in similar matters of alleged financial misconduct.
