Court puts hold on foreign travel for celebrity couple until dues are cleared
The Bombay High Court has directed actor Shilpa Shetty and businessman Raj Kundra to pay ₹60 crore before they can leave the country, in connection with a police case and Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against them.
The court was hearing a petition filed by the couple last month, where they sought suspension of the LOC, which currently restricts their ability to travel abroad for both professional and personal reasons.
Background of the case
Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra are reportedly linked to an ongoing police investigation involving financial transactions and alleged dues. While the exact details of the case have not been disclosed in this proceeding, the LOC was issued to prevent them from leaving the country while the case remains under probe.
The couple approached the High Court requesting temporary relief so they could fulfil professional obligations and leisure travel plans outside India.
Court’s response to the plea
In response to their petition, the Bombay High Court did not immediately lift the travel restrictions. Instead, it stated that their request could be considered only after they deposit ₹60 crore, an amount reportedly connected to the financial claims or dues under investigation.
The court emphasized that the restriction was necessary to ensure cooperation in the ongoing inquiry and to prevent any complications that could arise from international travel during the legal proceedings.
What is a Look Out Circular?
A Look Out Circular is a notice issued by law enforcement agencies to prevent individuals from leaving the country when they are involved in legal proceedings, under investigation, or facing pending cases. It is commonly used in cases involving economic offences, financial fraud, or criminal investigations.
Suspension of an LOC requires judicial approval and often depends on the stage and seriousness of the ongoing probe.
What happens next?
With the High Court’s recent direction, the couple must now decide whether to deposit the specified ₹60 crore to move forward with their request to suspend the LOC. Until then, their foreign travel plans remain on hold.
The matter is expected to come up for further hearing once compliance with the court’s order is confirmed.
The Bombay High Court’s decision to link travel clearance with a ₹60 crore payment sends a clear message that financial accountability will be enforced before allowing freedom of movement in such cases. As public figures, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra’s case has drawn significant attention, and the next steps will likely be closely watched.
The outcome may also set a precedent for how courts handle similar pleas involving Look Out Circulars and financial investigations.
