Rhea Chakraborty Court Win: Supreme Court Quashes CBI Petition in Sushant Singh Rajput Case
In a major relief for the actress Rhea Chakraborty(32 years), India's Supreme Court recently stayed the Bombay High Court decision that had annulled the Look Out Circulars(LOC) issued by the Central Bureau of Investigation against Rhea, her brother Showik, and her parents in connection with the high-profile probe surrounding the tragic 2020 demise of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
This is a major closure for Rhea and her family, who have faced legal scrutiny since Rajput’s death a little over four years ago. A bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan branded CBI's petition as "frivolous," saying it rested on the pedestal of high publicity figures rather than substantive evidence.
Supreme Court Rules
This aligns with the observations made by the Bombay High Court earlier. Justice Gavai warned the petitioners, including the CBI and the Bureau of Immigration, against filing such appeals without robust grounds. "You are filing such a frivolous petition only because one of the accused is a high-profile person. It will be dismissed with exemplary cost," he noted.
Earlier released by the CBI in 2020, the LOC sought to restrain Rhea and her family from going abroad. The Bombay High Court had ruled these circulars invalid as there was no apparent reason for their issue. The court stated that Rhea and her family had good roots in society and were cooperative with investigative authorities, deeming it unnecessary to restrict their movement.
Background: The Sushant Singh Rajput Case
Young Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, known for films like MS Dhoni: The Untold Story and Chhichhore, died at the age of 34 years in his Bandra residence in Mumbai on June 14, 2020. Fans and the entertainment industry were shocked by the untimely death, sparking a torrent of rumors. Initially reported as suicide, the case became a sensation, leading to multiple inquiries by the Mumbai Police, CBI, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and Enforcement Directorate (ED), with accused and suspected involvement mounting.
Soon after, Sushant's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty was drawn into the controversy. Sushant's family alleged undue influence by Rhea over Sushant, impacting him financially and emotionally. Allegations escalated to include abetment of suicide, cheating, misappropriation of money, and wrongful restraint, leading to an FIR lodged in Patna by Sushant's family. When the Supreme Court transferred the case to the CBI, it became a national issue.
A Torrent of Allegations and Court Battles
Following the FIR, Rhea came under intense public and legal attention. The ED launched an investigation against Rhea for alleged money laundering, claiming she siphoned INR 15 crore from Sushant's accounts. The NCB also filed drug-related charges, leading to Rhea's arrest in September 2020. She spent nearly a month in judicial custody before securing bail from the Bombay High Court.
Rhea endured media trials, baseless accusations, and relentless online trolling following Sushant's case. Her image was heavily tarnished, with media outlets labeling her a "murderer" and "gold-digger," though without substantiated evidence.
A Rocky Road to Career Revival
The Sushant case aftermath brought significant professional repercussions for Rhea Chakraborty. Known for roles in Jalebi and Sonali Cable, Rhea faced a complete career freeze as Bollywood distanced itself from her. She remained without work until 2023, except for Chehra, which she completed before 2020.
In 2023, Rhea made strides to regain her career by joining the MTV reality show Roadies as a gang leader and launching her podcast, Chapter 2. Featuring personalities like Aamir Khan, Farhan Akhtar, and Sushmita Sen, the podcast allowed Rhea to reconnect with fans and peers.
Legal Obstacles for CBI
The CBI's plea to reinstate LOCs against Rhea and her family hinged on procedural fairness and an irrebuttable presumption of innocence. With months passing since the CBI last filed a chargesheet, questions arose about whether the LOCs were warranted. Rhea's counsel argued that LOCs should only apply when there is substantial evidence of an intent to evade custody, a criterion her family does not meet.
Both the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court have upheld that filing an FIR does not justify travel bans on individuals with no intent to flee trial. With the Supreme Court judgment, the CBI may need to gather stronger evidence if it wishes to proceed with charges.
Closure or New Beginnings?
The Supreme Court's judgment marks a significant moment for Rhea Chakraborty, who has faced public scrutiny and court battles for years since Sushant Singh Rajput's death. This judgment offers her long-awaited solace, yet her journey to restore her career and reputation continues. The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the CBI petition underscores the importance of due process, especially in cases amplified by public opinion.
With this legal victory, Rhea Chakraborty continues to redefine her narrative, moving past stigmas that have haunted her career, and carving out a path forward in the entertainment sector. Given this recent ruling, Rhea may find opportunities to re-enter Bollywood and the media circles as she distances herself from the tumultuous period following Sushant Singh Rajput's death.
FreshTrendReport will keep you up-to-date with the latest news regarding Bollywood Celebrity and entertainment.
