The Bombay High Court has instructed the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to permanently return actor Rhea Chakraborty’s passport, following her request to modify a bail condition related to the 2020 drugs case connected to the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
Chakraborty, who was arrested in September 2020 and later granted bail in the subsequent month, was mandated to surrender her passport to the NCB and obtain prior approval from the trial court for any international travel.
In a recent application presented by her lawyer Ayaz Khan, Chakraborty highlighted that the existing condition led to delays and hindered her professional commitments. Khan emphasized that Chakraborty had abided by all bail terms and had not infringed upon any court directives, emphasizing the necessity of frequent overseas travel for work engagements in her field.
Opposing the plea, the NCB, represented by advocate S K Halwasia, contended that Chakraborty should not be granted special privileges due to her status as a public figure and cautioned against the potential risk of her fleeing.
However, Justice Neela Gokhale pointed out that similar relaxations had been allowed to other defendants in the case. The court acknowledged Chakraborty’s cooperation with the legal proceedings, her adherence to travel regulations, and her consistent compliance with bail conditions. It expressed confidence in her commitment to attend the trial’s conclusion.
Under the court’s ruling, Chakraborty must still be present for all trial dates unless excused by the trial court. Before any international travel, she is required to furnish her complete travel plans, including accommodation and flight details, to the prosecuting agency at least four days in advance. Additionally, she must provide her contact information, ensure her phone is accessible, and inform authorities upon her return.
The case, involving 33 individuals as accused, is still pending, awaiting the framing of charges.