The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed former media executive Indrani Mukerjea’s plea seeking permission to travel abroad when the trial in the Sheena Bora murder case is ongoing.
A bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Rajesh Bindal also directed that the trial be expedited and concluded within one year.
Mukerjea’s counsel argued that the bail conditions allowed her to travel with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court’s permission. However, the Supreme Court refused to interfere with the Bombay High Court’s September 27, 2024, order, which denied her request.
The Bombay High Court had overturned a special court’s decision that permitted Mukerjea to travel abroad for property tax payments, banking matters, and updating her Will. While Mukerjea cited the need to visit Spain for biometric registration about her Will, the Supreme Court observed that she had a Power of Attorney holder who could handle the matter.
Justice Sundresh remarked, “There is no guarantee that you will come back,” while Justice Bindal emphasized the need to prioritize completing the trial. The Court, acknowledging delays in witness examinations, instructed the trial to be completed within one year.
With 92 witnesses still pending examination, Mukerjea’s counsel highlighted the slow progress of the trial, but the Apex Court remained firm in its decision, stating, “Because the trial is ongoing, we are not inclined to consider the request at this stage.”
