High Court Bars Travel to Thailand
The Bombay High Court has denied permission to actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, to travel abroad. The couple had requested to visit Phuket, Thailand, for a three-day family vacation.
The bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad refused their plea, citing serious pending cases. The judges also declined to suspend the lookout circular issued by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police.
The decision marks a significant setback for the couple, who argued that the restrictions were affecting their professional and personal commitments.
Lookout Circular Remains in Place
The Economic Offences Wing issued a lookout circular (LOC) against Shetty and Kundra, barring them from overseas travel. Their legal team had urged the court to pause the LOC, pointing out that Kundra has cooperated with investigators.
However, the government’s counsel argued that the couple should not receive special treatment while facing serious allegations of financial misconduct.
The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for two weeks later, where the matter will again come up for consideration.
Allegations of Misuse of Funds
The trouble for Shetty and Kundra stems from a complaint by businessman Deepak Kothari. He alleged that the couple convinced him to invest ₹60 crore in their now-defunct company. Instead of using the money for business, the complaint states, the funds were diverted for personal expenses.
Raj Kundra has already appeared before the EOW for questioning. The probe continues, with investigators reviewing financial records and transactions linked to the complaint.
The allegations have attracted significant public attention, given the couple’s high profile and past controversies.
Petition Cites Professional Commitments
In their application, Shetty and Kundra argued that the travel restrictions were unfair and violated their fundamental rights.
“The applicants have a fundamental right to carry on their business and/or profession, and denying such opportunities would amount to violation of their rights,” their petition stated.
The couple also highlighted the need for overseas travel. Raj Kundra said he must travel frequently for business, while Shilpa Shetty pointed out that her work in films and endorsements often requires her presence abroad.
Despite these arguments, the court maintained its stance and refused to grant any relief.
What Lies Ahead for the Couple
The case against Shetty and Kundra continues to unfold, with the High Court signaling a tough stance. Until the matter is resolved, the lookout circular will remain active, preventing them from leaving India.
Legal experts note that unless the couple can establish their innocence in the financial fraud allegations, courts are unlikely to ease the restrictions.
As the next hearing approaches, all eyes will be on the Bombay High Court to see whether the couple can secure any relief or whether the restrictions will continue.