SC dismisses CBI's petition in Sushant Singh Rajput death case, granting relief to Rhea Chakraborty

In a significant legal victory for Rhea Chakraborty and her family, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the state of Maharashtra, and the Bureau of Immigration. The petition challenged the Bombay High Court's earlier decision to quash look-out circulars (LOCs) issued against Chakraborty, her brother Showik, and their father, Lt. Colonel Indrajit Chakraborty (retd.), in connection with the Sushant Singh Rajput death case.

The bench, consisting of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, characterized the CBI's petition as "frivolous," stating it was filed merely because the accused were of a "high-profile" background. Justice Gavai remarked on the need for caution when issuing such petitions, warning the CBI about the implications of frivolous legal actions against individuals with deep societal roots.

In February 2024, the Bombay High Court had annulled the LOCs that were initially imposed in 2020. These LOCs had barred the Chakrabortys from traveling abroad, following an FIR filed by Rajput's family in Patna, which later led to the CBI taking over the investigation. The Bombay High Court noted the lack of substantial reasons provided by the CBI for the issuance of the LOCs, emphasizing that mere reference to the FIR was insufficient justification.

The court also expressed concern over the length of time the LOCs had been pending, stating that the right to travel is a fundamental right. Justice Gavai highlighted that the LOCs could not be kept open indefinitely without proper evidence suggesting that the accused were evading legal proceedings. This emphasis on due process was a central theme in the court's decision.

Furthermore, the Bombay High Court had pointed out that the Chakraborty family had shown cooperation with the investigation agencies. This cooperation included appearing for questioning in relation to allegations of money laundering that arose during the investigations following Rajput's death. The court reinforced that the issuance of LOCs should be based on concrete evidence that the accused are actively avoiding arrest or legal obligations.

In the backdrop of the Supreme Court's decision, it is worth noting that Sushant Singh Rajput's death in June 2020 sparked widespread controversy and public interest, leading to multiple investigations by various agencies. Rhea Chakraborty, who was in a relationship with Rajput at the time, became a focal point in the ensuing media frenzy and legal battles.