The Supreme Court on December 15 granted actors Shreyas Talpade and Alok Nath protection from arrest in a chit fund scam. It raised questions over whether the brand ambassador of a company or those who appear in its advertisements can also face action when a criminal case is lodged against the company for cheating. For instance, Shreyas told the court that his involvement was purely professional and limited to guest appearances at events organised by the company.
It was brought to the apex court’s notice that FIRs had been filed against the actors in different states, and the CBI was probing the case. The SC restrained the agency from arresting them till investigations in the case were complete. It also directed the actors to co-operate in the probe.