Supreme Court Rejects Indrani Mukerjea’s Plea to Travel Abroad in Sheena Bora Murder Case
On February 12, 2025, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a plea filed by Indrani Mukerjea, the prime accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, seeking permission to travel abroad. The apex court’s decision came after a bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal heard arguments from both sides.
Background of the Case
Indrani Mukerjea, a former media executive, is accused of orchestrating the murder of her daughter, Sheena Bora, in April 2012. The case came to light in 2015 when Mukerjea’s driver, Shyamvar Rai, disclosed details of the crime during an interrogation for an unrelated offense. Mukerjea was arrested in August 2015 and granted bail by the Supreme Court in May 2022, after spending nearly six and a half years in custody.
The Plea and Arguments
Mukerjea’s counsel argued that she needed to travel abroad to pay property taxes, update her bank accounts, and amend her will. She claimed that her physical presence was necessary to activate a digital certificate required for property transactions in Spain. Additionally, Mukerjea’s lawyer highlighted that the trial court had been vacant for the past four months, potentially delaying the proceedings further.
However, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) opposed her request, arguing that the trial was at an advanced stage with 96 witnesses already examined. The CBI contended that allowing Mukerjea to travel abroad could jeopardize the ongoing trial.
Supreme Court’s Decision
The Supreme Court bench expressed doubts about Mukerjea’s return if allowed to travel abroad, stating, “There is no guarantee that you will come back”. The court directed the trial court to expedite the proceedings and conclude the trial within one year. The bench also gave Mukerjea the liberty to approach the trial court for any further relief.
Previous Orders and Legal Proceedings
In July 2024, a special court had permitted Mukerjea to visit Spain and the UK for 10 days within the next three months. However, the CBI challenged this decision in the Bombay High Court, which overturned the special court’s order on September 27, 2024. Mukerjea then approached the Supreme Court to challenge the High Court’s ruling.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision underscores the importance of ensuring that justice is served without undue delays while maintaining the integrity of the legal process. By directing the trial court to conclude the proceedings within a year, the apex court aims to bring closure to a case that has garnered significant public attention.
