Raj Kundra–Shilpa Shetty Travel Plea: Court Orders ₹60 Crore Bank Guarantee Before Granting Permission

In a hearing before a bench led by Justice Gadkari, senior advocate Abad Ponda—appearing for Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty—sought permission for the couple to travel to London, citing the ill health of Kundra’s father.

Court Questions Offence, Orders Full Deposit

The bench asked about the nature of the alleged offence and the amount involved, and was informed that the figure stood at ₹60 crore. The court then directed that the applicants must deposit the entire amount before their request for foreign travel could be considered.

Advocate Ponda objected, arguing that no law requires such a deposit for granting travel permission. However, the bench expressed doubt about the applicants’ bona fides, stating that there was no assurance they would return if allowed to go abroad.

Bank Guarantee Mandatory, Says Court

When Ponda sought permission to furnish a surety or alternative security instead, the bench refused. It insisted on a continuous bank guarantee from a nationalised bank for the full ₹60 crore, calling it the only acceptable safeguard.

Ponda requested that the amount be kept reasonable, but the court rejected the plea, reiterating that the guarantee must cover the entire sum.

ED Not Served With Application

During the hearing, the Public Prosecutor informed the bench that the Enforcement Directorate had not been served with the travel application, prompting the judges to express displeasure.

The court initially planned to hear the matter after three weeks. Ponda urged an urgent listing before the Christmas break, pending instructions on the bank guarantee. The bench eventually adjourned the matter by one week.