The Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate of the 19th Court, Esplanade, Mumbai, has permitted businessman Falgun Yogendra Shroff, an accused in a case filed by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), to travel abroad for business purposes — but only under stringent conditions aimed at preventing interference with the ongoing investigation.
According to the court’s order, Shroff has been allowed to visit Dubai (October 5–8, 2025), Milan (October 26–November 1, 2025), and Paris (November 10–16, 2025).
The DRI had opposed the application, contending that the accused faces serious allegations under Section 135(1)(i) of the Customs Act, 1962, and that permitting international travel could enable him to evade the law or tamper with evidence.
The DRI informed the court that the accused had failed to appear for a summons under Section 108 of the Customs Acton September 29, 2025, and had not yet submitted certain documents he earlier agreed to produce.
However, Shroff’s counsel, Dr. Sujay Kantawala, argued that the absence was due to health issues and that an intimation had been duly sent to the investigating office.
After hearing both sides, the court observed that Shroff had already complied with his earlier bail condition requiring surrender of his passport and had not violated any of the bail terms. The court emphasized that the “right to travel is a fundamental right” and that Shroff’s business travel should be permitted, subject to safeguards.
The court attached multiple conditions to the travel permission:
The accused must furnish his email address and mobile number to the DRI for use during the travel period.
A cash security deposit of ₹2 lakh will be treated as travel security; if withdrawn earlier, it must be redeposited.
Shroff must not seek any extension of stay abroad and must redeposit his passport with the DRI immediately upon return.
He is prohibited from meeting any exporters or suppliers connected to the ongoing DRI investigation.
His advocate must attend all adjudication proceedings or hearings in his absence.
In compliance, Shroff also submitted a written undertaking to the court, affirming that he would not meet any persons related to the case during his travel and that his legal representative would attend proceedings on his behalf.
Case Details
Case Title: Falgun Yogendra Shroff Versus Directorate of Revenue Intelligence
Case No.: C.C. No. 3564/Misc/2025 IN R. A. N0. 581 of 2025
Date: 03/10/2025
Counsel For Applicant: Dr. Sujay Kantawala
Counsel For Respondent: Special PP S. R. Pathak
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