Top Court Warns CBI in Sushant Rajput Case Over Lookout Circulars
Top Court Warns CBI in Sushant Rajput Case Over Lookout Circulars
Supreme Court criticizes CBI’s “frivolous” petition challenging the cancellation of LOCs against Rhea Chakraborty and family
In a major relief for actress Rhea Chakraborty and her family, the Supreme Court on Friday upheld the Bombay High Court’s decision to quash lookout circulars (LOCs) issued by the CBI against them following the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, labeled the CBI’s petition challenging the high court’s decision as “frivolous,” warning that the petition appeared to be motivated merely due to the “high-profile” nature of the accused.
Justice Gavai stated, “You are filing such a frivolous petition only because one of the accused is a high-profile person. This will be dismissed with exemplary costs if pursued further. Both persons have deep roots in society.”
The CBI had initially issued lookout circulars in 2020 against Rhea Chakraborty, her brother Showik Chakraborty, and her parents following an FIR lodged by Rajput’s family in Patna, alleging financial misappropriation and abetment to suicide. However, the Bombay High Court canceled these LOCs, citing a lack of sufficient grounds, noting that Rhea and her family had cooperated with investigative authorities and were unlikely to evade law enforcement.
The high court’s February decision to lift the LOCs allowed Rhea Chakraborty to travel abroad temporarily, despite strong opposition from the CBI. During prior hearings, the court questioned the necessity of issuing LOCs based solely on the FIR without substantial evidence of intentional non-cooperation from the accused.
In Friday’s hearing, the Supreme Court noted the CBI’s delay in filing a charge sheet since 2020, urging that the case be concluded swiftly to prevent further prolongation. The court also acknowledged Rhea’s legal counsel’s argument that LOCs are typically issued only when there is proof of an accused deliberately avoiding arrest or court appearances.
The death of Sushant Singh Rajput on June 14, 2020, sparked extensive public and media interest, leading to multiple high-profile investigations by agencies such as the CBI, NCB and ED. Rhea Chakraborty, who was in a relationship with Rajput at the time of his death, became a focal point in the probe after his family alleged she had financially exploited the actor and contributed to his mental distress.
The Supreme Court’s remarks reflect the judicial concern over procedural adherence, particularly in cases involving high-profile individuals, reiterating that legal processes should remain impartial and evidence-based.
