Bombay High Court Orders Passport Release for Rhea Chakraborty, Paving Way for Global Ventures

In a pivotal development that marks a new chapter for actress Rhea Chakraborty, the Bombay High Court has issued a significant order directing the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to return her passport. This decision, handed down by a division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan, comes almost two years after the document was seized in connection with a drug-related case stemming from the untimely demise of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

Chakraborty had fervently appealed for the return of her passport, citing professional commitments that required international travel.

Specifically, she sought permission to attend the prestigious IIFA Awards in Bangkok, emphasizing her need to resume her career and livelihood. Her plea underscored the professional stagnation she faced due to the travel restrictions imposed by the seizure.

The journey to this High Court ruling was not without its hurdles.

Earlier, a special court had denied her request, maintaining the passport’s retention. However, the Bombay High Court took a different view, carefully weighing the circumstances. The court observed that the trial in the drug case, where Chakraborty is an accused, is unlikely to reach a conclusion anytime soon.

This prolonged delay, the judges noted, could not indefinitely curtail her fundamental right to pursue her profession and travel.

While granting her petition, the High Court imposed certain conditions to ensure compliance and accountability. Chakraborty is required to furnish a detailed itinerary of her travel, including the countries she plans to visit, and report to the nearest Indian embassy or consulate upon her arrival.

Furthermore, she must provide a security deposit, underlining the court’s balanced approach to upholding her rights while addressing potential risks.

The NCB, as expected, had opposed the actress's application, arguing that the investigation into the drug case was still active and her travel could impede ongoing proceedings.

They highlighted the severity of the charges and the importance of ensuring her presence for legal formalities. However, the High Court’s ruling firmly established that the mere existence of an ongoing investigation, without a formal and indefinite travel ban, could not justify the prolonged withholding of a citizen's passport and their right to international movement.

Rhea Chakraborty was arrested in September 2020 in connection with the drug probe that intensified following Sushant Singh Rajput’s death.

She was subsequently granted bail by the High Court in October of the same year. The return of her passport signifies a crucial step towards reclaiming normalcy and actively pursuing her career, providing her with the freedom to explore professional opportunities beyond India's borders.

This landmark decision by the Bombay High Court not only offers personal relief to Rhea Chakraborty but also sets a precedent regarding the delicate balance between ongoing legal investigations and an individual's fundamental rights, particularly the right to livelihood and travel.

It reinforces the principle that justice delayed should not translate into a perpetual denial of basic freedoms.