Bombay High Court grants interim protection to consultant in Naagzilla financial dispute

The Bombay High Court has granted interim protection to Kuldeep Singh Champawat, a consultant for the Kartik Aaryan film Naagzilla, in a case involving alleged financial irregularities totaling around Rs. 3.92 crore.

Court Proceedings

Justice Prafulla S. Khubalkar issued the order on November 3, 2026, while reviewing an anticipatory bail application filed by Champawat. An FIR was previously filed at Mumbai's D.N. Nagar Police Station on September 26, 2026. The complaint claims that payments amounting to Rs. 3,92,76,308 were made in violation of a Standard Operating Procedure agreed upon by Dharma Productions Private Limited and Mahaveer Jain Films Private Limited.

Defense and Observations

During the hearing, advocate Niteen Pradhan stated that his client worked solely as a consultant without any power to approve or release funds. He noted that chartered accountants handled financial choices and that Champawat was not part of the payment approval hierarchy. The High Court observed that the payment structure did not give Champawat any role in authorising funds and also noted his lack of criminal history.

Investigation Conditions

As part of the interim protection, the court ordered Champawat to visit the D.N. Nagar Police Station on November 12, 2026, between 10 am and 2 pm. He must cooperate with the ongoing police inquiry and supply relevant documents when asked by authorities.

Context

Anticipatory bail is a legal provision that allows a person to seek bail in anticipation of an arrest on a police accusation. Courts evaluate such requests based on factors like the applicant's role in the alleged offense and their willingness to cooperate with law enforcement.