The Central Government notified the Supreme Court on Tuesday that it will not
contest the bail granted to Bollywood actress Rhea Chakra borty by the Bombay
High Court in the cases filed against her under the Narcotics, Drugs, and
Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act).
A bench of Justices AS Bop Anna and MM Sundresh was addressed by
Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, who stated that while the government
would not pursue its appeal regarding the granting of bail, the Bombay High
Court’s interpretation of Section 27A of the NDPS Act (which allows for a
maximum 20-year sentence for supporting illegal activity and harbouring
offenders) should be kept for future review.
However, considering the interpretation of the provision, kindly hold it open for
discussion. We are not challenging the denial of bail. Let the order not serve as
a model for other cases, the ASG demanded.
The Bombay High Court presiding will not be taken as a precedent, the Court
stated as it dismissed the government’s appeal and acknowledged with the
government.
The Bombay High Court had granted bail to Chakraborty in October 2020.
Chakra borty and several other people, including her brother Showik Chakra
borty, Abdel Basit Parihar, Samuel Miranda, and Dipesh Sawant, are billed with
assisting in the drug purchase for the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
At the time of his demise, Chakraborty was dating Rajput.
After having their release requests denied by a Special NDPS Court in Mumbai,
the accused filed bail applications with the Bombay High Court.
While Abdul Parihar and Showik Chakraborty’s bail requests were denied, the
High Court had granted release to Chakraborty, Sawant, and Miranda.
The High Court granted Rhea Chakraborty’s request for bail, with the caveat
that she also provide a PR Bond in the amount of Rs. 1 lakh.
Another condition of her bond prohibited her from leaving the country.
The Centre appealed this order to the Supreme Court more than five months
after it was issued.