The Bombay High Court has directed actor Shilpa Shetty and businessman Raj Kundra to either deposit Rs 60 crore or furnish a bank guarantee of the same amount before considering their plea to travel abroad. The directive comes in connection with a cheating case under investigation by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW).
The couple had approached the court seeking suspension of a Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against them, citing the need to visit Kundra’s ailing father in London. A division bench of Justices Ajey S Gadkari and Ranjitsinha R Bhonsale emphasized that financial security was necessary to ensure compliance, given the scale of the alleged fraud. Senior advocate Abad Ponda, representing the couple, argued that demanding the entire deposit lacked legal basis, but the court maintained its stance, stressing the seriousness of the allegations.
Notable updates
• Bombay High Court orders Rs 60 crore deposit or bank guarantee from Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra
• Case linked to alleged Rs 60 crore cheating probe by Maharashtra Police’s EOW
• Couple sought suspension of LOC to travel abroad for medical reasons
• Court insists on financial security before granting travel permission
• Legal arguments centered on proportionality of deposit demand
Major takeaway
The court’s directive underscores the judiciary’s firm approach in financial fraud cases, balancing humanitarian appeals with the need to safeguard public interest and ensure accountability.
Sources: Indian Express, Times Now, India Today, India TV News