Sheena Bora case: Legal shock for Indrani Mukerjee! Bombay high court cancels Europe travel permission

On September 27, 2024, the Bombay High Court overturned a special CBI court's decision that had permitted Indrani Mukerjea, the primary accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, to travel abroad. Justice Shyam Chandak presided over the bench that allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) petition challenging the lower court's order. The CBI argued that, given the severity of the charges against Mukerjea, there was a significant risk of her fleeing the country if allowed to travel. 

Central Bureau of Investigation

Mukerjea had sought permission to visit Spain and the United Kingdom, citing the need to update bank-related documents and other tasks following her divorce from former media executive Peter Mukerjea. The special CBI court had initially granted her a ten-day travel window over the next three months, imposing conditions such as attending the Indian Embassy or its allied diplomatic missions at least once during her visit and furnishing a security deposit of ₹2 lakh. 

Relevant statutory authorities

However, the High Court found that the special court's order was unreasonable and unsustainable. Justice Chandak noted that the tasks Mukerjea intended to perform abroad could be accomplished from India, with assistance from the relevant statutory authorities. The bench clarified that its decision did not comment on the merits of the case but focused solely on the necessity of her travel. 

Supreme Court

Indrani Mukerjea was arrested in August 2015 in connection with the alleged murder of her daughter, Sheena Bora, in April 2012. She was granted bail by the Supreme Court in May 2022 after spending several years in custody. The trial is ongoing, with all accused currently out on bail.