The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected Indrani Mukerjea’s petition challenging the Bombay High Court’s decision to deny her permission to travel abroad.
Mukerjea, a former media executive, is accused of murdering her daughter, Sheena Bora.
A bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal instructed the trial court to expedite the proceedings and conclude the case within a year.
Opposing her travel request, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) argued that the case is highly sensitive. The agency pointed out that the trial is midway, with 96 witnesses already examined. Mukerjea’s counsel, however, contended that while she has been granted bail by the Supreme Court, there are still 92 witnesses left to testify. The defense also highlighted that the trial court has been vacant for the past four months, leading to delays.
The travel restriction issue arose after a special court, on July 19, allowed Mukerjea to visit Spain and the United Kingdom for 10 days within a three-month period.
However, the CBI challenged this order in the Bombay High Court, which overturned the special court’s decision on September 27. Seeking relief, Mukerjea moved the Supreme Court, but her plea was dismissed.
With this ruling, Mukerjea remains barred from traveling abroad as the legal proceedings continue. The Supreme Court’s directive aims to ensure that the case reaches its conclusion within the next year.
Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International
