Court allows anticipatory bail under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, with conditions on film producer to deposit disputed amount.
In a significant ruling, the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Indore Bench, granted anticipatory bail to Shreyansh, a film producer embroiled in a financial dispute concerning his film production activities. The judgment, delivered by Justice Gajendra Singh on May 22, 2026, involves accusations of cheating, criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
The case pertains to allegations that Shreyansh, a partner in the film production firm M/s. Sugar and Spice Production Partnership, failed to honor financial agreements made during the production of the Hindi feature film "Koka Kola," also known as "Lucky." The complainant accused Shreyansh of releasing a film song to Zee Music Company in violation of a prior agreement, despite receiving financial assistance amounting to Rs. 52 lakhs from the complainant for the film's production.
Shreyansh, represented by Advocates Ashok Saravgi and Varsha Gupta, contended that he was wrongfully implicated and expressed willingness to deposit the entire disputed amount within a stipulated timeframe. The applicant's counsel argued against the necessity of custodial interrogation, asserting that the trial would be prolonged and the applicant's compliance with deposit conditions should suffice.
The court, after reviewing the submissions and circumstances, determined that custodial interrogation of the applicant was unnecessary. Consequently, anticipatory bail was granted under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, analogous to Section 438 of the Cr.P.C., 1973. The bail is contingent upon the applicant furnishing a personal bond of ?50,000 with a surety, cooperating with the investigation, and depositing the disputed amount within 45 days.
Justice Singh emphasized compliance with all bail conditions and warned that failure to deposit the amount could result in further legal actions by the prosecution or aggrieved party. The court's decision provides temporary relief to the applicant while ensuring adherence to legal and financial obligations.
Bottom line:-
Anticipatory bail granted under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (Section 438 of Cr.P.C, 1973), considering no custodial requirement of the applicant in the investigation and readiness to deposit the disputed amount of Rs.52,00,000/- within a stipulated period.
Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 Section 482, Indian Penal Code, 1860 Sections 406, 409, 420, 120B, 34
Shreyansh v. State of Madhya Pradesh, (Madhya Pradesh)(Indore) : Law Finder Doc id # 2918717
