October 8, 2025 : The Bombay High Court has directed Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, to deposit ₹60 crore before they can seek permission to travel abroad. The order comes amid ongoing investigations into alleged financial irregularities connected to their business ventures.
The couple had approached the court to quash a Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against them by the authorities, which prevents them from leaving India. The LOC is part of a probe into allegations of misused funds and financial misconduct related to Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, a company in which businessman Deepak Kothari claimed he had invested.
According to the complaint, funds invested by Kothari between 2015 and 2023 were allegedly diverted for personal use. Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra have consistently denied these allegations, stating that they are cooperating fully with investigators and are confident of proving their innocence in court.
The High Court clarified that their request to travel abroad cannot be entertained until the ₹60 crore deposit is made with the court. This amount acts as a security against potential financial risk to ensure that the investigation is not hampered and that sufficient funds are available if any wrongdoing is confirmed.
During the proceedings, the Bombay HC emphasized the seriousness of the allegations while also noting that Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra have the right to approach the court for overseas travel. The deposit is a precondition, not a punitive measure, and once the amount is deposited, the court will consider their application for travel.
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police is handling the investigation. Shilpa Shetty was reportedly questioned for over four hours by the EOW in connection with the case, while Raj Kundra may be called for further questioning in the coming days. Investigators are examining financial transactions, accounting records, and correspondence related to Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd to ascertain whether funds were diverted.
The couple’s legal team argued that the LOC is causing personal and professional inconvenience, as Shilpa Shetty has commitments abroad and Raj Kundra has business interests that require international travel. However, the High Court maintained that legal and financial safeguards must come first, before any travel permission is granted.
This case has garnered significant media attention, given the couple’s celebrity status and their prior involvement in high-profile legal matters. The Bombay High Court has scheduled the next hearing for October 14, 2025, during which further developments regarding the deposit and travel request will be considered.
Experts say that such preconditions are not uncommon in high-value financial investigations. “Courts often require deposits or bonds to ensure that funds are available for restitution or penalties if wrongdoing is proven,” says legal analyst Rohit Deshmukh. “It’s a way to balance the rights of the accused with the need to protect the interests of investors and the public.”
The Bombay HC’s order highlights the judiciary’s proactive stance in ensuring accountability in financial matters while also respecting the legal rights of individuals. Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra will now need to comply with the directive to make the deposit, after which their travel request will be reviewed.
This development underscores the intersection of celebrity, business, and law, showing that even high-profile figures must adhere to legal processes in ongoing investigations. The case is likely to continue drawing public and media scrutiny as the next hearings approach.
Summary
Bombay High Court bars Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra from traveling abroad until they deposit ₹60 crore, amid allegations of financial irregularities linked to Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd.