Raj Kundra Applies for Bail in High-Profile Pornography Case
Millionaire businessman Raj Kundra has formally applied for bail at the Bombay High Court in a sensational case involving the alleged production and distribution of pornographic films. Mr Kundra, who is married to renowned Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, was arrested by Mumbai police on 19 July 2021 and subsequently remanded to a 14-day judicial custody by a local court.
Police Allegations and Legal Context
The Mumbai police issued a statement confirming that a case was registered with its crime branch in February 2021 against the production of pornographic films and their publication on various mobile applications. Under Indian law, the publishing and transmission of "obscene material" is strictly prohibited, although viewing such content privately remains legal. Authorities assert that Mr Kundra is the "key conspirator" in this matter, claiming to possess substantial evidence against him.
An officer revealed that the February case originated from a complaint by a woman who alleged she was coerced into participating in a pornographic film under the false promise of an acting role. This allegation forms a critical part of the prosecution's narrative.
Corporate Links and Financial Details
Investigations have uncovered connections between Mr Kundra's firm, Viaan Industries, and London-based company Kenrin, which operates the over-the-top (OTT) platform 'Hotshots'. This platform is accused of being involved in publishing the contentious films. A senior police official, cited by the Press Trust of India, disclosed that Mr Kundra's brother-in-law owns Kenrin, suggesting a familial link to the operations.
Financial records presented in court indicate that Hotshots generated approximately Rs 1.17 crore (around £100,000) from the Apple store alone between August and December 2020. Revenue from the Google Play Store is believed to be significantly higher, according to reports from The Indian Express, highlighting the scale of the alleged enterprise.
Defence Arguments and Celebrity Involvement
In a plea challenging his arrest last week, Mr Kundra contended before the Bombay High Court that the videos in question do not depict "explicit sexual acts" but are rather short films that could be described as "lascivious". This distinction is central to his defence, as it questions the classification of the material as pornographic under Indian law.
Shilpa Shetty, in a statement to Mumbai police, has firmly denied any association with Hotshots. She asserted that the content on the platform should be categorised as erotica, not pornography, aligning with her husband's defence. Her involvement adds a layer of celebrity scrutiny to the ongoing legal proceedings.
The case continues to unfold, with the Bombay High Court set to deliberate on the bail application amidst intense media coverage and public interest. The outcome could have significant implications for interpretations of obscenity laws in India's digital age.
