New Delhi – In a big relief for Bollywood filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife Shwetambari Bhatt, the Supreme Court of India has granted them interim bail in a cheating case. This happened on February 13, 2026, after the couple spent more than two months in jail. The case is about claims of cheating and misusing money worth around Rs 30 crore to Rs 44 crore. The complaint came from Dr Ajay Murdia, who runs a big chain of IVF clinics called Indira IVF. He says the money was meant for making films but was used wrongly.
Vikram Bhatt is known for directing hit movies like Raaz, Ghulam with Aamir Khan, and many horror films. He has been in the film world for over 20 years. His wife Shwetambari is also part of the case. They were arrested in Mumbai on December 7, 2025, by Rajasthan Police and taken to Udaipur jail. Before this, lower courts and the Rajasthan High Court said no to their bail pleas twice. Now, the Supreme Court has stepped in and said they can be free for now, but they have to give bail bonds.
This news has made many people in Bollywood and the public talk about it. Some say it’s good that the court is looking at if the case is fair. Others think about how money deals in films can go wrong. The court even said the arrest was “unfortunate” and asked why criminal laws are being used just to get money back. The next hearing is set for around February 18 or 19, 2026. Until then, Vikram and Shwetambari are out of jail.
The story started when Dr Murdia wanted to make films based on his life and work. He met Vikram Bhatt through a friend in Udaipur. They agreed to make a biopic on Dr Murdia’s late wife and another film on Lord Shrinathji, a famous temple in Rajasthan. Dr Murdia gave money for these projects, but he says the films were not made properly, and the money went into wrong pockets. Vikram Bhatt says all deals were clear and no wrong was done. This case shows how business and films can mix and cause problems.
In India, such cases are common where people invest in movies hoping for big returns, but things don’t always go as planned. The Supreme Court’s decision might help other similar cases. It reminds everyone that courts look at facts, not just claims.
Background of the Case
Let’s go back to how this all began. Dr Ajay Murdia is a doctor who started Indira IVF in Udaipur. It’s now one of the biggest fertility clinic chains in India, with centers all over the country. He lost his wife some years ago and wanted to make a film about her life. In March 2024, he met Vikram Bhatt and Shwetambari in Mumbai through a man named Dinesh Kataria from Udaipur. Kataria acted as a middleman.
Vikram suggested making not just one film but more. First, a biopic on Dr Murdia’s wife. Then, a film on Bhagwan Shrinathji, which is a holy place near Udaipur. Later, they talked about two more films. The total deal was for about Rs 47 crore. Dr Murdia paid Rs 15 crore for the biopic and Rs 25 crore for the Shrinathji film. But he says only some shooting happened, and the projects stopped.
According to the complaint, Vikram and his team made fake bills from vendors, showed high costs for salaries and other things, and took the money for themselves. Dr Murdia claims he was promised earnings of Rs 200 crore from the films, but nothing came out of it. He also says they refused to give back things like raw footage, scripts, and costumes when he asked.
Vikram Bhatt has a different story. He told the media earlier that the FIR is wrong and some papers might be fake. “Yes, I found out today that Ajay Murdia has filed an FIR not just against me but against eight of us,” he said in a statement. He added that all money was used for the films, and the projects failed because of market reasons, not cheating.
The police arrested Vikram and Shwetambari from their home in Mumbai. They also caught others like Mehboob Ansari, who is Vikram’s manager, and some co-producers. The case is under sections for cheating and breach of trust in the Indian Penal Code. Dr Murdia says the money was moved to personal accounts using fake invoices.
This is not the first time Bollywood has seen such fights. Many films start with big promises but end in losses. Investors like Dr Murdia, who are new to films, sometimes feel cheated when things go bad. But Vikram’s side says it’s a business dispute, not a crime.
Dr Murdia has kept quiet in the media, but his lawyers say he has proof of the fraud. The police have collected bank records and bills as evidence. The case also involves Vikram’s daughter Krishna Bhatt and others, but they are not in jail yet.
The Arrest and Lower Court Battles
The arrest happened fast. On December 7, 2025, Rajasthan Police came to Mumbai with help from local police. They took Vikram and Shwetambari to Udaipur. A court there sent them to police custody first, then to jail. They asked for bail on medical grounds, saying Shwetambari needed treatment, but the court said no.
Then, they went to the Rajasthan High Court. On January 31, 2026, the High Court rejected their bail. The judge said the case needs more probe because it’s about big money misappropriation. Vikram’s lawyer argued that it’s a money fight, not crime, but the court did not agree.
After that, they went to the Supreme Court. Their lawyer, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, told the court that the dispute is about failed films, not cheating. He said Dr Murdia is using police to get money back. The Rajasthan government and Dr Murdia’s side said it’s a clear fraud with proofs.
Supreme Court Proceedings and Decision
The Supreme Court hearing on February 13, 2026, was key. The bench had Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi. They heard both sides. The court asked why Rajasthan was chosen for the case when most things happened in Mumbai. They said the arrest looks bad and asked if criminal case is just for money recovery.
One big point was about Shwetambari and her daughter. The court asked why they are accused when they may not be directly involved. “He cannot put the director, his wife, everybody in jail,” said the lawyer. The bench agreed and said, “Cannot put everybody in jail.”
They gave interim bail and said release them right away after bail bonds. The court also added Dr Murdia as a party and asked Rajasthan government for reply. The full case will be heard next week.
This decision shows the Supreme Court wants to check if laws are used right. In India, sometimes people file criminal cases for civil matters like money disputes. The court reminded that bail should be given if no big risk.
Reactions and Statements
After the bail, Vikram Bhatt’s team is happy. Though he has not spoken yet, earlier he said, “The FIR is misleading.” His friends in Bollywood say it’s a tough time for him.
Dr Murdia’s side says they have strong proof and will fight in the next hearing. A lawyer for him said the case is about real cheating, not just business loss.
From X posts, people are talking. One user said, “Good precedent by Supreme Court which will benefit cheats all over India.” Another shared, “Legal update: The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to filmmaker Vikram Bhatt’s wife.”
Bollywood watchers say this case warns filmmakers about taking money from outsiders. Many films fail, but investors want returns.
Implications for Bollywood and Legal System
This case affects Bollywood. Many directors take money from new investors like doctors or businessmen. If films flop, it can lead to fights. Vikram Bhatt has made over 30 films, some hits, some not. His horror movies like 1920 and Raaz series did well, but recent ones struggled.
For the legal system, it shows how Supreme Court can fix lower court decisions. It also talks about bail laws. In India, bail is a right, not punishment, as per court rules.
Dr Murdia’s Indira IVF is big, with over 100 centers. This case might hurt his name, but he stands by his claim.
What next? If the Supreme Court quashes the FIR, the case ends. If not, trial will go on. Vikram might go back to films soon.
FAQs
What is the Vikram Bhatt cheating case about?
The case is about Dr Ajay Murdia claiming that Vikram Bhatt and his wife took Rs 30-44 crore for making films but misused the money. The films were a biopic on Murdia’s wife and one on Lord Shrinathji. Murdia says fake bills were made, and projects stopped. Vikram says it’s a business issue, not fraud. The amount varies in reports, but it’s around that.
Why was Vikram Bhatt arrested?
He was arrested on December 7, 2025, in Mumbai by Rajasthan Police. The complaint was filed in Udaipur. He and his wife were in jail for over two months before bail. Lower courts said no to bail because probe was needed.
What did the Supreme Court say?
On February 13, 2026, the court gave interim bail. They called the arrest unfortunate and said criminal cases can’t be for money recovery. They asked why everyone is accused and said “cannot put everybody in jail.” Next hearing is in a week.
Who is Dr Ajay Murdia?
He is the founder of Indira IVF, a big chain for fertility treatments. He wanted films on his life and invested money. He filed the case saying he was cheated.
What happens next in the case?
The Supreme Court will hear more on February 18-19, 2026. They might quash the FIR or let trial go on. Vikram and wife are free for now but have to follow rules.
Is Vikram Bhatt’s daughter involved?
Yes, Krishna Bhatt is named in the FIR, but she is not arrested. The court asked why family members are accused.
How does this affect Bollywood?
It shows risks in film funding. Many outsiders invest, but if films fail, cases can happen. It might make deals more careful.