Legal Roadblock: Court Denies Travel Request

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and her businessman husband Raj Kundra have hit a legal roadblock. The Bombay High Court has refused to suspend the Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against them, which means they cannot travel abroad for now. The couple had requested permission to fly to Phuket, Thailand for a family vacation from October 2 to 5, but the court denied their plea citing ongoing investigations in a Rs 60 crore fraud case.

The LOC was issued by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police. It restricts individuals from leaving the country when they are involved in serious criminal investigations. The court emphasized that allowing travel at this stage would not be appropriate, especially when two major cases are pending against the couple.

Background of the Fraud Case

The controversy dates back to a business deal involving the couple’s now-defunct company, Best Deal TV Pvt. Ltd.. Businessman Deepak Kothari filed a complaint alleging that he was cheated out of Rs 60.48 crore between 2015 and 2023. He claimed that Kundra and Shetty convinced him to invest in their venture with promises of monthly returns, which never materialized.

Kothari transferred the money in two instalments—Rs 31.95 crore in April 2015 and Rs 28.53 crore in September 2015. In 2016, Shilpa Shetty resigned from the company. Later, insolvency proceedings were initiated against the firm, and Kothari’s repeated attempts to recover his money failed. This led him to approach the police, resulting in the LOC and legal action.

Arguments from Both Sides

During the hearing, the couple’s lawyers argued that they had cooperated with authorities in previous cases and had been allowed to travel abroad on 12 occasions between 2022 and 2025. They emphasized that the couple had always returned and followed all conditions laid down by the court.

On the other hand, the prosecution highlighted the seriousness of the charges. Public Prosecutor Mankunwar Deshmukh stated that granting travel permission could interfere with the ongoing investigation. He pointed out that the couple faces two serious criminal cases, including a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in 2022 related to the production and circulation of pornographic content.

Upcoming Travel Plans Blocked

In their petition, Shetty and Kundra mentioned several upcoming international commitments. These included:

• A work trip to Los Angeles from October 21 to 24
• A business expansion visit to Colombo and Maldives from October 26 to 29
• A family visit to Dubai and London between December 20, 2025, and January 6, 2026

They argued that the LOC was affecting their professional and personal lives, and that it violated their fundamental rights to carry on business and profession. However, the court remained firm and scheduled the next hearing for October 8, asking the prosecution to file a detailed reply.

Public Reaction and What’s Next

The news has sparked mixed reactions among fans and legal experts. While some believe the couple should be allowed to travel given their past cooperation, others feel the court’s decision is justified considering the gravity of the allegations. Social media is buzzing with debates, and many are closely watching how the case unfolds.

For now, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra remain grounded in India. Their legal team is expected to present further arguments in the next hearing. Whether the court will reconsider its decision remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—the couple’s legal troubles are far from over.

Stay tuned to Rapido Updates for the latest developments on this case and other breaking news from Bollywood and beyond.