Overview
- Vikram Bhatt was released from jail on February 20 after the top court set aside the Rajasthan High Court’s January 31 refusal of bail and regularised earlier interim relief for Shwetambari Bhatt.
- A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant with justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi granted regular bail, stressing that custody was not necessary at this stage.
- Both sides have been told to appear before the Supreme Court Mediation Centre, with reports noting a February 27 date to explore an out-of-court settlement.
- The case stems from Ajay Murdia’s Udaipur FIR alleging over ₹30 crore was misappropriated through fake bills and transfers to personal accounts tied to a biopic project; multiple associates were also arrested in December.
- Investigations and related FIRs continue, as the court cautioned against any external influence on proceedings and warned it could transfer the matter if required.