The Supreme Court ruling on 25th October 2024 came as a big relief to actor Rhea Chakraborty and her family, who have been vilified and accused after actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death. The Supreme Court dismissed the petition filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Maharashtra Government, which challenged the Bombay High Court order quashing the Look Out Circulars (LOCs) issued against Rhea Chakraborty and her family. The young actor Sushant Rajput died on 14 June 2020 after he hanged himself in his West Bandra apartment.
Latest News: Sushant Singh Rajput death case: SC upholds decision to cancel CBI’s lookout notice against Rhea Chakraborty
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The petition was instituted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the State of Maharashtra who collectively challenged Bombay High Court’s order in February this year. The Bombay HC quashed the Look Out Circulars (LOC) issued against Rhea Chakraborty and her father, Indrajit Chakraborty, mother, Sandhya Chakraborty and brother, Showik Chakraborty, by the Bureau of Immigration at the request of CBI. The Bombay HC quashed the LOCs issued against them as the immigration authorities failed to give appropriate reasons for the issuance of these circulars. The Court observed that the mere registration of an FIR is not a sufficient ground for issuing LOCs.
Since it is a coercive measure and curbs one’s fundamental right enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, it must be based on the apprehension that needs to be spelt out by the agency in clear terms. As the actor and her family members actively cooperated with CBI in its investigation and attended every summon by the agency without attempting to evade any of its summons, there should be no apprehension on the part of the agency.
Supreme Court Ruling
A division bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan of the Supreme Court dismissed the petition with a reprimand, “We are warning you. 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. Both persons have deep roots in society.”
Sushant Rajput Case
Following the death, Sushant Rajput’s family based in Patna lodged an FIR against Rhea Chakraborty on 25th July 2020. The charges were manifold, including abetment of suicide, wrongful confinement, theft, criminal breach of trust, and forgery. Rhea Chakraborty was involved in a romantic relationship with Sushant Rajput at the time of the actor’s death. Soon, in August, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched an investigation for Rhea Chakraborty’s alleged involvement in money laundering activities related to the actor’s death.
Later, the Supreme Court transferred the investigation of the death over to the CBI from the Mumbai Police, who had been a primary investigating authority in the case. It was also during this time that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) started a parallel investigation into the allegations of drug trafficking and drug abuse, linking it to Sushant Rajput’s death. In the same year, Rhea was arrested for supplying Marijuana to Sushant Singh Rajput and remained in judicial custody for almost a month before being granted bail by the Bombay High Court on October 7.
Sushant Singh Rajput’s death
On 14th June, the Kedarnath (2018) actor was found dead in his room in the Mont Blanc Apartment, west of Bandra, which came as a shock to his fans during the raging COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Though it was death by hanging and initially interpreted as suicide owing to the mental health breakdown that he was experiencing. Although no suicide note was recovered, the actor was undergoing counselling under a trained psychiatrist and was diagnosed with clinical depression at the time of his death.
Anti-depressant pills and medical prescriptions detailing his condition were recovered from his house. However, things took an early turn when several conspiracy theories began dominating various social media platforms about the probable reason for his death. At the same time, some claimed it to be a murder, and others suspected angle of abetment of suicide by his then-girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty.
The untimely death of a bright, talented actor who has shone in films like Chhichhore (2019), MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016), PK (2014), and Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (2015), Shuddh Desi Romance (2013) has sparked a major debate about the prevalence of nepotism in the Bollywood industry. The actor had made his big screen debut with Kai Po Che! (2013), which earned him fame for his outstanding acting skills and the film also received critical attention as well as commercial success. Earlier, he earned praise for his role as Manav in the TV series Pavitra Rishta (2009).
The proliferation of conspiracy theories and the heated newsroom debates centering on the death started the media trial of Rhea Chakraborty based on unfounded suspicion. All these culminated in the filing of an FIR with the Rajiv Nagar Police Station in Patna, Bihar by the late actor’s father, KK Singh. Along with the girlfriend of the late actor, Rhea Chakraborty, her family, her manager named Shruti Modi, and her friend, Samuel Miranda were targeted as the prime accused in the case.
FAQ
1. What was the primary reason for the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of Rhea Chakraborty and her family?
The Supreme Court’s decision was primarily based on the Bombay High Court’s order quashing the Look Out Circulars (LOCs) issued against Rhea Chakraborty and her family. The High Court found that the issuance of LOCs was not justified as there was no sufficient ground to apprehend that they would evade the investigation. The Supreme Court upheld this decision, emphasizing that such coercive measures should only be taken in exceptional circumstances.
2. What were the key charges against Rhea Chakraborty in the Sushant Singh Rajput case?
Rhea Chakraborty was accused of various charges, including abetment of suicide, wrongful restraint, wrongful confinement, theft, criminal breach of trust, and cheating. These accusations stemmed from her relationship with Sushant Singh Rajput and the conspiracy theories surrounding his death.
3. What were the major controversies and public reactions surrounding the Sushant Singh Rajput case?
The case sparked significant controversy and public debate, with many theories and speculations circulating about the cause of Sushant Singh Rajput’s death. The case also raised questions about nepotism in the Bollywood industry and the treatment of outsiders. The media trial of Rhea Chakraborty and her family, based on unfounded accusations, further fueled public sentiment and led to widespread online harassment and trolling.
4. Which were the famous movies of the actor?
Sushant Rajput acted in famous films like Chhichhore (2019), MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016), PK (2014), and Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (2015), Shuddh Desi Romance (2013). The actor had made his big screen debut with Kai Po Che! (2013).
5. What were the key challenges faced by Rhea Chakraborty and her family during the investigation?
Rhea Chakraborty and her family faced significant challenges throughout the investigation. They were subjected to intense media scrutiny, online harassment, and legal proceedings. The issuance of Look Out Circulars against them further added to their ordeal. However, the Supreme Court’s ruling has provided some relief and allowed them to move forward.
