Bombay High Court Grants Interim Protection From Arrest To Two Women Accused Of Cheating Actor Vivek Oberoi

The Bombay High Court has granted interim anticipatory bail to two women accused in an alleged cheating case filed by actor Vivek Oberoi.

Justice Sarang V. Kotwal granted temporary protection from arrest till 22nd February 2024 to Nandita Saha and Raadhika Nanda in two separate but related anticipatory bail pleas.

The pleas relate to an FIR filed by Oberoi's Chartered Accountant Deven Bafna at MIDC police station accusing the duo of cheating the actor of Rs 1.55 crore. Bafna alleged financial irregularities in a film production firm 'Anandita Entertainment LLP' jointly owned by Oberoi, Saha's son Sanjay Saha and Nanda.

While granting interim relief, Justice Kotwal observed - "Considering these submissions, learned counsel for the applicants has made out a case for grant of ad-interim relief."

The court also directed the accused women to visit the police station for three days the following week for questioning. "The applicants shall attend the concerned Police Station from 29/01/2024 to 31/01/2024 between 1.00p.m. to 4.00p.m. and thereafter as and when called. The applicants shall cooperate with the investigation," the court said.

Senior advocate Abhishek Yende, appearing for the women, argued that the FIR allegations pertained mainly to decisions taken by Sanjay Saha and the accused cannot be held liable for the same.

He further submitted that the payments alleged to have been misappropriated were authorized as per the LLP agreement.

"The agreement dated 01.12.2020 also provided for welfare of the partners as mentioned in Clause 38(m). Thus, the allegations attributed against the present applicants are covered under these clauses," Yende contended.

The court will next hear the anticipatory bail pleas on 22nd February after considering the complainant's intervention application opposing bail.

Advocates Abhishek Yende, Surbhi Agrawal and Vishal Dhasade represented the Applicants.

APP Mahalakshmi Ganapathy represented the State.