In a significant legal development that underscores the severity of the ongoing financial fraud investigation, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday stipulated a major condition for actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, to travel abroad. The division bench ruled that it would only consider their plea to suspend a Look Out Circular (LOC)—a necessary step for international travel—if they first deposit ₹60 crore, the amount central to the cheating case against them.
The couple had petitioned the court seeking permission for several international trips, including professional commitments in Los Angeles, Colombo, and a business-related visit to the Maldives, citing their fundamental right to work. However, the court was unequivocal, stating that leisure trips would not be permitted amid the serious allegations. The case revolves around a complaint filed by a Mumbai-based businessman who alleges that he was induced to invest approximately ₹60 crore into the couple’s now-defunct home shopping venture, Best Deal TV, and that the funds were subsequently diverted for personal use.
While acknowledging the couple’s cooperation with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW)—a factor the court noted was why they have not yet been arrested—the bench firmly directed them to “Deposit the entire amount… then we will hear you.” The complainant’s counsel had expressed apprehension over the possibility of the couple fleeing, pointing to Mr. Kundra’s British passport. The court also sought concrete, verifiable proof of Ms. Shetty’s professional invitations, suggesting an added layer of scrutiny on her planned Los Angeles event. The matter has been adjourned, leaving the celebrity couple’s travel plans hinging entirely on meeting the hefty financial mandate.