Sushant Singh Rajput Case: Rhea Chakraborty freed from lookout notice as SC dismisses CBI plea

In a significant development for actress Rhea Chakraborty, the Supreme Court has dismissed a petition by the CBI, Maharashtra state, and the Bureau of Immigration that challenged the Bombay High Court’s earlier decision to nullify the lookout circulars (LOCs) issued against Rhea, her brother Showik, and her father, Lt Col Indrajit Chakraborty (retd), in connection with the Sushant Singh Rajput death investigation. This ruling came as a relief for Rhea, marking another step in her legal journey since the tragic demise of Sushant Singh Rajput.

On October 25, 2024, the Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan, criticized the CBI's petition, describing it as “frivolous” and unnecessary, remarking that it appeared motivated by the “high-profile” nature of those involved rather than any substantial new evidence. Justice Gavai further cautioned that filing such a petition could attract heavy costs, indicating the court’s disappointment with the case’s prolonged proceedings. Earlier in February 2024, the Bombay High Court had initially lifted the LOCs, citing lack of justification for such strict measures based merely on the FIR.

These LOCs had initially been issued in 2020, restricting Rhea and her family’s international travel and monitoring their movements within India, allegedly to prevent any interference in the ongoing investigation. Despite the LOCs being lifted for the family, Rhea’s team has consistently argued that the measures were excessive, given that she has cooperated fully with all investigative proceedings.

The tragic passing of actor Sushant Singh Rajput in June 2020 shocked the entire nation and led to intense public scrutiny. Rhea, who had been in a relationship with Sushant, found herself under suspicion, leading to multiple allegations, including drug charges, though no concrete evidence has been submitted against her for any foul play in his death. The case saw the CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) launch separate investigations, prolonging Rhea's legal battle.

This latest Supreme Court ruling effectively endorses the Bombay High Court’s earlier position, raising questions on the ongoing delay in the CBI’s investigation, which remains unresolved without a charge sheet. With this recent relief, Rhea is now legally free to travel internationally without any restrictions.