The Supreme Court has granted interim protection from arrest to actor Shreyas Talpade in several cheating and financial fraud cases registered in multiple states. These cases are linked to the Human Welfare Credit and Thrift Co-operative Society Limited, part of the SAGA Group, which is under investigation for defrauding investors.
A bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice K.V. Viswanathan issued notice to the respondents, asking them to file their counter affidavits. The matter has been posted for further hearing on August 29, 2025.
“In the meantime, no coercive steps shall be taken against the petitioner,” the Court ordered.
Talpade, through his writ petition (W.P.(Crl.) No. 264/2025, Diary No. 34744/2025), has sought protection from arrest in multiple FIRs filed across states. He is facing serious accusations including criminal breach of trust and cheating, under:
- Sections 316(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 in Haryana,
- Sections 409, 420, and 419 of the Indian Penal Code in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
The actor has also requested the transfer and consolidation of all FIRs with the one lodged at Gomti Nagar Police Station, Lucknow, which is said to be the first FIR registered in the matter. Additionally, he has sought anticipatory bail or protection from any coercive action.
The core allegations claim Talpade was the brand ambassador of the cooperative society and that his promotion influenced the public to invest in fraudulent financial schemes. However, Talpade has denied any involvement, stating:
“I was merely invited as a guest celebrity for annual events in 2018, 2019, and 2022 by the SAGA Group in a limited, non-commercial capacity.”
He emphasized that these appearances were professional engagements and helped him gain visibility and film offers. He also clarified:
“I have no past or ongoing association with the cooperative society or the SAGA Group.”
The actor further contended that the FIRs were lodged without any specific allegations or supporting material evidence.
Appearing on behalf of Talpade were Advocates Sandeep Bajaj, Aditya Chopra, Naman Tandon (AOR), and Mayank Biyani.
The Supreme Court's protection remains effective until the next hearing, as the matter develops further.
Case no. – W.P.(Crl.) No. 264/2025 Diary No. 34744 / 2025
Case Title – Shreyas Talpade v. State Of Haryana