Delhi HC refuses to relax Rs 20 lakh security condition for actress in ED case

The Delhi High Court has declined to relax a condition requiring actress Sandeepa Virk to furnish a Fixed Deposit Receipt (FDR) of ₹20 lakh before travelling abroad, upholding a trial court order aimed at ensuring her return while criminal proceedings against her remain pending.

Justice Tejas Karia dismissed Virk's plea challenging an order of the Additional Sessions Judge at Tis Hazari Courts, which had refused to modify conditions attached to the release of her passport and permission to travel to Frankfurt, Germany, between June 15 and July 15.

The court observed that the security condition was reasonable and necessary to secure the actress's presence in ongoing proceedings. It noted that a professional assignment abroad, regardless of its authenticity, could not by itself justify relaxing safeguards imposed by the court.

Virk had argued that she had received an acting offer from a production house in Germany and was facing financial difficulties as several of her assets had been frozen or attached by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). However, the High Court said no documentary evidence had been produced to substantiate her claim of financial incapacity.

The court further held that the Sessions Court had appropriately balanced Virk's request to travel overseas with the need to ensure her participation in the case. It ruled that the apprehension regarding her return was genuine and that the ₹20 lakh security requirement could not be considered excessive or unreasonable.