In a landmark judgment on October 25, 2024, the Supreme Court of India provided a significant relief to actress Rhea Chakraborty and her family, dismissing a petition by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) aimed at reinstating Look-out Circulars (LOCs) against them. The petition, stemming from the 2020 probe into actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s tragic death, came under sharp scrutiny from the bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, who didn’t mince words, calling the CBI’s actions “frivolous” and cautioning against procedural misuse.
The court’s ruling backs a Bombay High Court decision from earlier this year, where the court questioned the necessity of travel restrictions imposed on Chakraborty, her brother Showik, and her father Lt. Col. Indrajit Chakraborty (retd.), given the lack of evidence suggesting any intent to evade the law.
Justice Gavai’s remarks highlighted broader issues surrounding judicial processes in cases involving public figures, emphasizing that justice should not be clouded by media hype or public attention. “The costs of filing petitions without substance could prove exemplary,” he noted sternly, directing his words at the CBI’s approach.
For Chakraborty and her family, this ruling marks a moment of respite amid years of intense scrutiny and legal battles. The Supreme Court’s comments underscore the fine line between diligent investigation and unnecessary judicial overreach, leaving a strong message about the importance of upholding justice without prejudice—no matter the fame of those involved.
The decision may prompt broader discussions about the legal treatment of high-profile individuals, shedding light on the need for a fair balance between public interest and individual rights within India’s justice system.
