In a major relief for actor Rhea Chakraborty and her family, the Supreme Court has dismissed a "frivolous" petition filed by the CBI, State of Maharashtra, and Bureau of Immigration seeking to reinstate the lookout circular (LOC) against them in connection with actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case. The court warned the agencies that such petitions would be dismissed with exemplary costs, citing the right to travel as a fundamental right that cannot be curtailed without due procedure. The Bombay High Court had earlier quashed the LOCs against the Chakraborty family in February this year, raising questions about the delay in the investigation and the rationale behind issuing the LOCs.
Sushant Singh Rajput Death Case: Supreme Court Dismisses CBI Plea to Reinstate Lookout Circular
Background:
Sushant Singh Rajput, a popular Bollywood actor, died by suicide in his Mumbai apartment on June 14, 2020. His death sent shockwaves through the film industry and sparked widespread speculation and controversy. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the investigation of the case in August 2020.
Supreme Court Ruling:
In a significant development, the Supreme Court on February 16, 2023, dismissed a petition filed by the CBI and the State of Maharashtra to reinstate the lookout circular (LOC) issued against Rhea Chakraborty and her family in connection with Rajput's death. The court held that the petition was "frivolous" and that the right to travel was a fundamental right.
The court also warned the agencies that such petitions would be dismissed with exemplary costs, emphasizing the importance of following due process and respecting individual freedoms. The Bombay High Court had previously quashed the LOCs against the Chakraborty family in February 2022, raising questions about the delay in the investigation and the lack of evidence to justify the LOCs.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q1: What is a lookout circular (LOC)? A: An LOC is a notice issued by the Bureau of Immigration to prevent individuals from leaving the country.
Q2: Why was an LOC issued against Rhea Chakraborty? A: The CBI had issued an LOC against Rhea Chakraborty and her family in connection with the Sushant Singh Rajput death case, suspecting their involvement in his death.
Q3: What did the Supreme Court say about the LOCs? A: The Supreme Court dismissed the petition seeking to reinstate the LOCs, holding that it was frivolous and that the right to travel was a fundamental right.
Q4: Has there been any progress in the Sushant Singh Rajput death investigation? A: The CBI investigation into Rajput's death is ongoing. No arrests have been made to date, and the cause of his death remains under investigation.
Q5: What is the current status of Rhea Chakraborty? A: Rhea Chakraborty is out on bail and is not under any travel restrictions. She continues to maintain her innocence in connection with Rajput's death.
In an effort to combat rising drug abuse rates, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced the implementation of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign) in all medical colleges across India. Along with this, the NMC has also requested the formation of drug-free hostel committees, a schedule of activities, and awareness programs for students, faculty, and staff. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the NMC, is also planning to launch Tobacco Cessation Centres in all medical colleges to help individuals quit tobacco consumption and reduce tobacco-related diseases.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued detailed guidelines for All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), medical colleges, and other higher educational institutions to implement Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan activities to tackle the growing issue of substance abuse among students. These measures include forming committees, conducting awareness campaigns, and creating referral systems to provide support to students. The government hopes that this collaborative approach will help curb drug trafficking and protect the student population from falling prey to substance abuse.
The Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, announced a major step towards inclusive mobility by offering a 50% concession on bus fares for women employed in the private sector. This move aims to make daily commuting more affordable and encourage more women to join the workforce. The announcement was made at the launch of the Mhaji Bus Scheme 2025 in Sanquelim, which also includes benefits for private bus operators such as operational subsidies and upgraded technology. Sawant assured current operators that they will not be left out during the system's upgrade and urged them to join the scheme for significant annual benefits.
Former Member of the Scottish Parliament, Wendy Alexander, has accused Dundee University of pressuring her to leave her position as Vice Principal International due to her questioning of the institution's financial practices. She claims she was offered a "package and trips" as a way to leave quietly. This revelation comes after a recent report revealing financial mismanagement at the university, with the former principal, Prof Iain Gillespie, resigning last year. Alexander's comments were made in a statement to Holyrood's education committee, which also heard evidence from other former university officials expressing regret for not implementing cost-cutting measures earlier and acknowledging the pain caused to students and staff.
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has announced a rally in Rajgir – the hometown of his alliance partner and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar – strategically aimed at expanding his base among other Bahujan communities. The LJP (RV) has called the event "Bahujan sankalp samagam" where the 42-year-old leader will focus on a "new leadership" for the state and aim to claim a larger share in the upcoming state Assembly polls. With the key allies of the BJP-led NDA locking horns over seat-sharing, Chirag seems to be positioning himself as a major player in Bihar politics and is set to make an announcement that could potentially change the political landscape of the state.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, fulfilling a major demand of farmers in Telangana. The event was attended by various BJP leaders, who welcomed Shah at the Begumpet airport. The establishment of the Turmeric Board was a key election promise by BJP Lok Sabha member D Arvind, who defeated K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. This move is aimed at improving the quality and income of turmeric farmers in the region.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana. The ceremony was attended by several prominent leaders such as Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, Union MoDS (Home) Bandi Sanjay Kumar, BJP MP K Laxman, and BJP Lok Sabha member from Nizamabad, D Arvind. This move is expected to boost the production and export of turmeric, a key spice in Indian cuisine, and support the farmers in the region.
With the latest news and developments surrounding Justice PG Ajithkumar, stay informed about the famous judge's groundbreaking cases and decisions. Stay connected and up-to-date with the latest verdicts and judgments made by the well-known Justice as he continues to make waves in the legal world. Don't miss out on any crucial updates and stay on top of the current political landscape with this exciting news piece featuring Justice PG Ajithkumar.
The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday heard arguments from ride-hailing platforms Ola, Uber, and Rapido, as well as the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, challenging a state-wide ban on bike taxis. Advocates for the petitioners argued that the ban violated their right to livelihood and hindered the service's potential to decongest roads and bridge last-mile connectivity gaps in urban areas. The ban was put in place following an expert committee report opposing bike taxis, but was later reversed to allow operations until the state issues specific guidelines. The matter is set for further hearing on July 2.
In a press conference held in Hyderabad, BRS leader P Karthik Reddy voiced his concerns over the alleged discrimination against Rangareddy district by the Telangana government. He has given an ultimatum of one week for the government to release the Rythu Bandhu funds to the farmers, threatening to go on an indefinite hunger strike if his demands are not met. Reddy also questioned the chief minister about his knowledge of the combined Rangareddy district and accused him of neglecting the district due to lack of support from the Congress.