Supreme Court protects actor Shreyas Talpade from arrest in multiple FIRs linked to cheating case
The Supreme Court on Monday restrained police authorities in three States from taking coercive steps against Golmaal fame actor Shreyas Talpade who is named as an accused in multiple criminal cases linked to an alleged financial scam involving a cooperative society [Shreyas Talpade vs. State of Haryana & Ors.].
A Bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and KV Viswanathan granted interim protection in a petition filed by Talpade, who has been named in FIRs registered in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana.
The Court also issued notice to the States and directed them to file counter affidavits explaining why Talpade's name was added to the FIRs.
Talpade approached the Supreme Court after being named in multiple cases arising from the financial collapse of the Human Welfare Credit and Thrift Co-operative Society Limited. The society is part of the broader SAGA Group, which is alleged to have defrauded several investors.
The FIRs filed across States invoke offences of cheating, criminal breach of trust and impersonation.
Talpade sought clubbing of all the FIRs and transfer of the investigation to Lucknow.
It has been alleged that Talpade participated in promoting the cooperative society by acting as its brand ambassador and that his public endorsement influenced individuals to invest in its financial schemes.
However, the actor has denied any commercial involvement with the company.
According to the petition, Talpade was invited as a guest celebrity to attend events hosted by the SAGA Group in 2018, 2019 and 2022. He claims these were professional engagements that enhanced his industry presence and helped him obtain film opportunities.
He asserted that he had no prior or continuing association with the Group or the cooperative society at the centre of the investigation.
Talpade contended that the FIRs registered against him were devoid of specific allegations or supporting material and were filed without application of mind. He submitted that his role was limited and unrelated to the financial activities of the society and therefore, initiation of coercive proceedings would be unwarranted.
With the Court staying coercive action against Talpade, the matter will now be heard after the respondents file their replies.
Talpade was represented by advocates Sandeep Bajaj, Aditya Chopra, Mayank Biyani, and Naman Tandon.