Jaipur, Feb. 20 -- The Supreme Court on Thursday granted regular bail to filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife Shwetambari Bhatt in connection with an FIR registered at Bhupalpura police station in Udaipur, and referred the Rs.44.7 crore dispute between the parties for mediation. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi passed the order. The case relates to allegations of cheating, forgery and diversion of funds amounting to approximately Rs.44.7 crore arising out of film production agreements executed through LLP entities for proposed film projects. The Court recorded the complainant's statement expressing willingness to explore an amicable settlement. Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for the complainant, informed the Bench that there was no objection to the accused being released on interim bail for the purpose of settlement talks. However, the Court proceeded to grant regular bail to the accused. Senior advocate Siddharth Dave, representing the petitioners, submitted that both sides were open to resolving their disputes. The State of Rajasthan, represented by additional advocate general Shiv Mangal Sharma, opposed the grant of bail, contending that the investigation is still ongoing and accused could influence the probe if released. The bench, however, observed that since both the complainant and the accused had shown willingness to settle the dispute, they should be given an opportunity to attempt resolution. The matter has accordingly been referred to the Supreme Court Mediation Centre.htc...