NEW DELHI, Feb 13: The Supreme Court of India on Friday granted bail to filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife Shwetambari Bhatt in a cheating case.
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed their immediate release from Udaipur jail and asked the Chief Judicial Magistrate to issue a formal bail order specifying the terms and conditions.
The apex court also issued notices to complainant Ajay Murdia — founder of Indira IVF — and the Rajasthan government, listing the matter for February 19.
Earlier, on January 31, the Rajasthan High Court had rejected the couple’s bail pleas. The two have been in custody since December 7, 2025, after being arrested in Mumbai and brought to Udaipur.
The case stems from a complaint filed by Murdia alleging cheating and criminal breach of trust against Bhatt, his wife and others. The complaint claims that nearly Rs 30 crore, allegedly taken for a film project, was misappropriated. It further alleges that fake bills were generated under different names to transfer funds, which were meant for film production but were instead deposited into the accused’s personal accounts.
Besides the couple, Udaipur-based Dinesh Kataria and Bhatt’s manager Mehboob Ansari were also arrested by Rajasthan Police in connection with the case. (Agencies)
