Bombay High Court Denies Foreign Travel Permission To Indrani Mukherjea, Allows CBI's Plea

Single-judge Justice Shyam Chandak pronounced the verdict on a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging the order of a special court, which permitted Indrani to travel abroad for paying property tax, updating her bank accounts and also for updating her Will (removing name of her ex-husband Peter Mukherjea from the records).

"The petition by CBI is allowed. If Indrani seeks to perform the works from India, the statutory authorities to support her in accordance with law. No reasonable ground is made out for permitting her to travel to abroad. I have not made any comment on the merits of the case or the argument of possibility of absconding etc," the judge said, while pronouncing the judgment.

A detailed copy of the judgment is yet to be uploaded.

In its plea, the CBI has contended that the works for which Indrani intends to visit the two countries, can be done by appointing a power of attorney or virtually from India. The CBI has also contended that Indrani might not return to India as other high profile accused in some economic offences.

The CBI also relied heavily on the response of the Indian Embassy in both Spain and UK, which specifically stated that the works for which Indrani seeks to travel, do not require her physical presence there and that the same can be done through power of attorney or virtually.

On the other hand, Indrani argued that she being a citizen of UK cannot be disallowed from visiting the country. She even contended that she isn't a flight risk as she had her passport twice after her release and had she wanted to flee, she could have left India without informing anyone.

Appearance:

Advocate Ranjit Sangle appeared for Indrani.

Special Public Prosecutor Shriram Shirsath represented the CBI.