(Image source from: Odishatv.in)

The Bombay High Court declined to provide help to actress Shilpa Shetty, who wanted to have a lookout notice against her canceled by the Economic Offences Wing related to a ₹60-crore fraud case involving her husband, businessman Raj Kundra. Shilpa Shetty informed the court that she was not linked to Raj Kundra’s business and was merely a formal director. However, the panel consisting of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad dismissed her request, stating, “If you wish to travel abroad, first become a government witness." The court ordered Shilpa Shetty to submit a written affidavit by October 16.

“If you claim you have no ties to the company, have your husband Raj Kundra provide an affidavit stating this," the judges mentioned, emphasizing that the couple must first pay the full ₹60 crore that is supposedly owed to the complainant. “The fraud case involves ₹60 crore - settle it first," the judges noted. This case involves claims that Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty, as leaders of the now-closed Best Deal TV Private Limited, swindled businessman Deepak Kothari out of nearly ₹60 crore in a loan and investment agreement from 2015 to 2023. Deepak Kothari has accused the couple of persuading him to invest in the business, which later used the money for personal expenses. During questioning by the EOW, Raj Kundra stated that his company, dealing in home and electrical products, faced significant losses after demonetization, which made it unable to return the borrowed money. He has already been questioned twice, while Shilpa Shetty was interrogated for over four hours at home on October 4.

The couple had submitted a request asking for the lookout circular to be put on hold so they could travel abroad for work and vacations. Nonetheless, the court said it could not allow such travel while they are accused in a fraud case. The judges pointed out that although they have not been arrested due to their cooperation with the investigation, any further relief would only be reviewed after the disputed money is paid.