In a recent development, the Supreme Court has issued a stern warning to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding its ongoing legal action against actress Rhea Chakraborty and her family in the Sushant Singh Rajput case. A lookout circular (LOC), which restricted Rhea and her family’s travel, was initially issued by the CBI. However, in February, the Bombay High Court had canceled the LOC, citing a lack of grounds for its issuance. The Supreme Court’s decision on Friday has upheld this cancellation, rejecting the CBI’s appeal and calling it “frivolous.”
Why Did the Supreme Court Dismiss the CBI Appeal?
The Supreme Court bench, led by Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, described the CBI’s appeal as unnecessary, noting that it was filed due to the high-profile status of the accused. During the hearing, Justice Gavai emphasized that there would be significant consequences if CBI continued to pursue such “frivolous” appeals. The Court warned that actions based on prominence rather than legal merit could not be encouraged, as these cases must be handled fairly regardless of the people involved.
The LOC was initially issued to restrict Rhea Chakraborty, her brother Showik Chakraborty, and her parents from leaving the country during the investigation following actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death. However, the Bombay High Court’s decision to revoke this LOC suggested that there was insufficient cause to justify such restrictions.
What Did the Bombay High Court Initially Decide?
The Bombay High Court, in February, sided with Rhea and her family, declaring the CBI’s LOC against them as unjustified. This decision was made by a bench including Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Manjusha Deshpande, who reviewed the LOC’s impact on the freedom of the Chakraborty family. The circular had made it difficult for them to travel internationally, which was the basis for Rhea’s petition. The High Court observed that Rhea and her family were cooperative throughout the investigation, and there was no apparent reason to prevent them from traveling.
When the High Court canceled the LOC, the CBI sought an additional four weeks to appeal the decision, aiming to take the matter to the Supreme Court. However, the High Court declined this request, leading to the CBI’s recent appeal that the Supreme Court has now dismissed.
Implications of the Supreme Court’s Decision
This ruling reflects the Supreme Court’s stance on judicial fairness, highlighting that high-profile individuals should not be subjected to excessive legal restrictions without substantiated grounds. The Court’s warning to the CBI underscores the importance of handling cases impartially, without bias or extra scrutiny solely because of public interest.
Background: Rhea Chakraborty’s Legal Journey
Rhea Chakraborty and her family have faced intense scrutiny and multiple investigations since the tragic passing of Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020. They were questioned extensively as part of both money laundering and drug-related cases associated with the actor’s death. In one such instance, Rhea was detained by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and spent 28 days in Byculla Jail in Mumbai due to allegations involving drugs.
Following her release, the lookout circular issued by the CBI added further restrictions on her family’s movements, especially with regard to international travel. This recent Supreme Court ruling now enables them to travel without the limitations imposed by the LOC, provided they comply with ongoing legal requirements as needed.
Public and Media Reactions
This case has drawn substantial media and public interest, as Rhea Chakraborty has been subjected to significant public attention since the investigation began. The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Bombay High Court’s revocation of the LOC provides a sense of legal respite for Rhea and her family, marking a shift in the tone of judicial proceedings in this high-profile case.
