Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra Move Bombay High Court Seeking Permission to Travel Abroad
Actor Shilpa Shetty and her businessman husband Raj Kundra, both facing allegations in a ₹60 crore cheating and fraud case, have approached the Bombay High Court requesting permission to travel overseas. The couple is seeking the suspension of the Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against them, which currently restricts their ability to leave the country.
According to the petition filed, the LOC has been obstructing their professional and business commitments abroad, and they argue that the continued enforcement of the travel ban is unwarranted, especially given their cooperation with the investigation.
Why Are Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra Under Scrutiny?
The couple is named in a cheating case involving over ₹60 crore, reportedly related to financial transactions linked to a now-defunct company. While the specific details of the allegations remain under investigation, authorities have imposed restrictions to ensure the presence of the accused during ongoing legal proceedings.
A Look Out Circular is typically issued by investigating agencies to prevent a person under criminal investigation or with pending charges from leaving the country without prior permission.
The Couple’s Argument in Court
In their plea before the High Court, Shetty and Kundra emphasized their professional responsibilities, citing the adverse impact of the LOC on their careers:
- Shilpa Shetty, being an actor and entrepreneur, has international commitments including brand endorsements, public events, and film projects that require her to travel abroad frequently.
- Raj Kundra, a businessman with global interests, stated that travel is a crucial part of his profession, including meetings, investor relations, and business expansions.
They also pointed out that Shetty had resigned from the company involved in the case back in September 2016, arguing that she had no active role in the alleged fraudulent activities. This, the petition claims, reduces the grounds for continued travel restrictions against her.
What They Are Requesting
The core of their petition seeks:
- Suspension of the LOC, at least temporarily, to allow overseas travel for business and professional engagements.
- Permission from the High Court to leave the country under pre-approved conditions, such as notifying authorities of travel plans and return dates.
- Consideration of past cooperation with investigating agencies, indicating they are not flight risks.
The couple maintained that they have been fully cooperating with the legal process and that their request is not an attempt to evade the investigation but to resume normal life and work obligations.
Legal Implications and What Happens Next
The Bombay High Court is expected to review:
- The severity of the charges against the couple
- The stage of the investigation or trial
- Their track record of cooperation with the authorities
- Whether there’s any risk of non-return if allowed to travel
If the court finds their reasons valid and no serious risk of absconding exists, it may allow conditional travel, such as surrendering passports upon return, providing travel itineraries in advance, or depositing a bond as surety.
At the same time, the court also has the option to deny the request if it finds that travel could compromise the ongoing investigation or send the wrong signal regarding accountability in high-value economic offenses.
Public Attention and Previous Controversies
This case adds another chapter to the string of legal troubles involving Raj Kundra. In 2021, Kundra was arrested in connection with a pornographic content racket, which generated massive media attention. He was later released on bail but continued to be under the legal spotlight.
Shilpa Shetty, though not directly named in that case, also found herself dragged into media narratives due to her husband’s involvement. She has consistently maintained that she was not involved in Kundra’s business dealings, especially those under scrutiny.
The current ₹60 crore case further complicates their public image and business prospects. The ongoing legal challenges have reportedly impacted both their professional schedules and reputational standing.
Final Thoughts
As high-profile public figures, Shetty and Kundra’s plea to the Bombay High Court is not just a legal request but one under close media and public scrutiny. While their right to livelihood and international movement is a valid consideration, the seriousness of the allegations demands careful judicial balancing.
The High Court’s decision in this case could set a precedent for how travel restrictions are handled for public figures under investigation — particularly in large-scale financial fraud cases.
For now, all eyes are on the courtroom, as the couple waits to hear whether they’ll be cleared for takeoff — or grounded until further notice.
