Mumbai: There has been an update, in the proceedings involving Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty. The government has notified the Supreme Court that it will not object to her release, on bail as granted by the Bombay High Court in the cases pertaining to the Narcotics Drugs and Substances (NDPS) Act. This decision comes after Rhea Chakraborty faced challenges in connection, with the passing of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
Additional Solicitor General SV Raju conveyed to a bench of Justices AS Bopanna and MM Sundresh that while the government will not pursue its appeal against the grant of bail, they seek to keep the interpretation of Section 27A of the NDPS Act open for future consideration.
Section 27A of the NDPS Act deals with the financing of illicit traffic and harbouring offenders, carrying a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. The Centre’s decision not to challenge the bail brings relief to Rhea Chakraborty, who was arrested in the NDPS case on September 8, 2021, and subsequently granted bail on October 4, 2021.
The Bombay High Court’s order granting bail to Rhea had clarified that providing money to buy drugs does not necessarily imply involvement in illicit trafficking. The court emphasized that providing money for drug consumption does not equate to encouraging drug use.
As the Supreme Court accepted the Centre’s stance and disposed of their appeal, it also clarified that the Bombay High Court’s ruling would not set a precedent for future cases. This resolution provides a positive outcome for Rhea Chakraborty, marking a significant chapter in the Sushant Singh Rajput case.