The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a fresh plea filed by Indrani Mukerjea, a key accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, seeking permission to travel abroad. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Prasanna B. Varale dismissed the petition, stating that there was no ground to interfere with the earlier orders of the trial court and the Bombay High Court.
Urgency Cited by Defence
Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing Mukerjea, submitted that the top court had not decided her previous plea on merits last year. He argued that there was now an urgent need for her to travel overseas, though he did not specify the purpose. Jethmalani emphasized that the earlier order was passed without considering the merits of the case, and the circumstances had changed since then.
Prosecution's Opposition
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the case, strongly opposed the plea. The CBI counsel argued that Mukerjea was facing serious charges of murder and conspiracy, and allowing her to travel abroad would pose a flight risk. The agency also pointed out that she had previously been granted interim bail on medical grounds but had not complied with all conditions.
Background of the Case
Indrani Mukerjea, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna, and her driver Shyamvar Rai are accused of murdering Sheena Bora, Mukerjea's daughter from an earlier relationship, in April 2012. The case came to light in 2015 after Rai confessed to the crime. Mukerjea has been in custody since her arrest in August 2015. She has filed multiple bail applications, which have been rejected by various courts.
Previous Travel Pleas
In 2023, the Supreme Court had dismissed a similar plea by Mukerjea to travel abroad, but without a detailed examination of the merits. The fresh plea was filed citing a change in circumstances, including her deteriorating health and the need to visit her ailing mother. However, the apex court found no substantial change to warrant reconsideration.
The trial in the case is ongoing, with several witnesses yet to be examined. The CBI has opposed any relaxation of bail conditions, citing the gravity of the offense. Mukerjea remains in judicial custody as the legal proceedings continue.
