The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted anticipatory bail to film producer Shreyansh Dhariwal in a criminal case arising out of a ₹52 lakh investment dispute linked to the production of a Hindi feature film. The court observed that custodial interrogation was not necessary and took note of the applicant's willingness to deposit the disputed amount.
Background of the Case
The matter stems from an FIR registered at MIG Police Station, Indore, following directions issued by a Judicial Magistrate First Class on a private complaint. According to the allegations, the complainant had provided financial assistance of ₹52 lakh for the production of the Hindi film “Koka Kola,” later renamed “Lucky.”
The applicant, a partner in M/s Sugar and Spice Production Partnership Firm, contended that the money was invested for film production under an agreement executed between the parties. The film was subsequently completed and obtained the required censor certification.
The dispute arose after the complainant alleged that certain contractual conditions were violated when content related to the film was released through a music platform before repayment of the invested amount. Based on these allegations, offences relating to cheating, criminal breach of trust and conspiracy were invoked.
Counsel for the applicant argued that the accusations were false and that the dispute primarily arose from contractual arrangements concerning the film project. It was submitted that the applicant was prepared to deposit the entire disputed amount of ₹52 lakh within a fixed timeline and that no custodial interrogation was required.
The State opposed the plea and sought rejection of the anticipatory bail application.
After hearing both sides and examining the record, Justice Gajendra Singh considered the overall facts and circumstances of the case. The court specifically noted the absence of any requirement for custodial interrogation during the investigation.
Allowing the application, the court observed that, “there is no custodial requirement of the applicant in the investigation and the fact that the applicant is ready to deposit the entire amount.” On that basis, the court found it appropriate to extend anticipatory bail protection without commenting on the merits of the allegations.
The High Court directed that in the event of arrest, the applicant shall be released on anticipatory bail upon furnishing a personal bond of ₹50,000 with a solvent surety of the same amount. The court also imposed standard conditions requiring cooperation with the investigation and restraint from influencing witnesses.
Additionally, the court directed the applicant to deposit the entire disputed amount of ₹52 lakh within 45 days. It clarified that if the amount is not deposited within the stipulated period, the prosecution or the aggrieved party would be free to seek appropriate relief before the court.
With these directions, the anticipatory bail application was disposed of.
Case Details:
Case Title: Shreyansh S/o Mahendra Dhariwal v. State of Madhya Pradesh
Case Number: MCRC No. 24332 of 2026
Judge: Justice Gajendra Singh
Decision Date: May 22, 2026
