Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra Face Rs 60 Crore Deposit Demand: What’s Behind the High Court’s Travel Ban?
The Bombay High Court has imposed a steep condition on Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and her businessman husband Raj Kundra, asking them to deposit a whopping Rs 60 crore if they wish to travel abroad. This development has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, raising questions about the serious allegations the celebrity couple is facing.
The Court’s Verdict: Pay Up or Stay Put
In a significant ruling, the Bombay High Court made it clear that the couple’s request to travel internationally would only be entertained after they deposit the substantial amount of Rs 60 crore. This decision came after Shilpa and Raj approached the court seeking to overturn a Look Out Circular (LOC) that currently prevents them from leaving the country.
The LOC, a travel restriction issued by immigration authorities, has effectively grounded the high-profile couple while investigations continue into serious fraud allegations against them. The couple had requested the suspension of this circular from October 2025 through January 2026, but the court remained firm in its stance.
#Breaking: Bombay High Court asks Actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra to first deposit Rs 60 crore if they want to travel to Los Angeles and other foreign countries.
This comes after the couple moved the High Court seeking quashing of an LOC issued against them over… pic.twitter.com/MJwEPzgbhq
— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) October 8, 2025
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A Pattern of Denied Travel Requests
This isn’t the first time the couple has faced rejection when trying to travel abroad. Just last week, the Bombay High Court turned down their plea to take a family vacation to Phuket, Thailand, scheduled for October 2-5. The repeated denials suggest the court views the matter with considerable gravity and wants to ensure the couple remains available for the ongoing investigation.
Whether it’s Los Angeles or any other international destination, the message from the judiciary has been consistent: substantial security must be provided before any travel permissions are granted.
The Fraud Allegations: A Rs 60 Crore Controversy
At the heart of this legal battle lies a complaint filed by Mumbai-based businessman Deepak Kothari. According to the allegations, between 2015 and 2023, Kothari invested Rs 60.48 crore in the couple’s business ventures with the understanding that the funds would be used for business expansion.
However, Kothari claims that instead of being utilized for the intended business purposes, the money was allegedly diverted for personal expenses. This accusation forms the basis of the fraud case that has now entangled both Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra in a complex legal web.
The specific amount mentioned in the court’s deposit demand matches the alleged fraud amount, suggesting the judiciary wants to ensure that the funds remain available should the investigation prove the allegations.
Mumbai Police Steps Up Investigation
The Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing has been actively pursuing the case. Recently, Shilpa Shetty was summoned for questioning and spent approximately 4.5 hours with investigators. This extended interrogation indicates that authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their probe.
The Economic Offences Wing typically handles cases involving financial crimes, fraud, and white-collar offenses, signaling the serious nature of the accusations against the celebrity couple.
What is a Look Out Circular?
For those unfamiliar with legal terminology, a Look Out Circular (LOC) is essentially a travel ban issued by Indian authorities. When an LOC is in place, immigration officials at all exit points are alerted to detain or prevent the named individuals from leaving the country.
LOCs are typically issued in cases where there’s a risk that the accused might flee the country to avoid legal proceedings. The fact that such a circular has been issued against both Shilpa and Raj indicates that authorities consider them flight risks in this investigation.
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The Couple’s Legal Strategy
Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra have moved the Bombay High Court seeking the quashing of the LOC and the FIR registered against them. Their legal team has been arguing for travel permissions while the case proceeds, but the court’s conditional approval requiring a Rs 60 crore deposit has essentially created a significant hurdle.
The couple maintains they need to travel for business and personal commitments, but the judiciary appears unwilling to grant such permissions without substantial financial guarantees.
Impact on Shilpa’s Career
Shilpa Shetty, who has been a prominent figure in Bollywood and the entertainment industry for decades, now finds herself in an uncomfortable spotlight. Known for her fitness advocacy, business ventures, and television appearances, the actress has built a substantial brand over the years.
This legal controversy could potentially impact her professional commitments, brand endorsements, and public image. International travel is often essential for celebrities attending events, shoots, and business meetings, making the travel restriction particularly challenging.
Raj Kundra’s Troubled Legal History
This isn’t Raj Kundra’s first encounter with legal troubles. The businessman has faced scrutiny in the past over various business dealings, making this latest allegation another chapter in an increasingly complicated legal narrative.
The couple’s business empire spans multiple sectors, and this fraud case raises questions about their financial practices and business operations.
What Happens Next?
As the investigation progresses, several outcomes are possible. If the couple chooses to deposit the Rs 60 crore, they might gain permission to travel, though this would be a substantial financial commitment. Alternatively, they could continue fighting the LOC through legal channels while remaining in India.
The Mumbai Police will continue their investigation, potentially calling more witnesses and examining financial records. The final outcome will depend on the evidence gathered and whether prosecutors can substantiate the fraud allegations in court.
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The Bigger Picture
This case highlights the growing scrutiny of celebrity business dealings in India. When prominent public figures engage in business ventures, they face heightened accountability, and allegations of financial misconduct can quickly escalate into major legal battles.
For now, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra find themselves in a waiting game, with their international travel plans on hold unless they meet the court’s substantial financial conditions. As the case unfolds, the entertainment world will be watching closely to see how this high-profile legal drama resolves.
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