Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty has received a major relief from the Rajasthan High Court, which dismissed an 11-year-old FIR against her. The case stemmed from a controversial remark made by the actress during a 2013 TV interview, which allegedly hurt the sentiments of an underprivileged community. The FIR had been filed under the SC/ST Act, leading to legal troubles for the actress over the years.

Case Background

In 2013, Shilpa Shetty faced backlash after allegedly making casteist and objectionable comments during a televised interview. The remarks sparked outrage among the underprivileged community, resulting in the registration of a police case in Rajasthan. Shilpa was accused of insulting and hurting the sentiments of the community.

High Court Ruling

During the recent hearing, the Rajasthan High Court dismissed the FIR, stating that no concrete evidence was found to support the allegations. The court ruled that there was no indication of intent on Shilpa’s part to insult the community.

In its order, the court noted that the actress's statement had been distorted, and her prior public apology further demonstrated her lack of malicious intent.

Lawyer’s Statement

Shilpa’s lawyer, Prashant Patil, expressed relief at the court’s decision, stating:
"The actress had already publicly apologised for the matter. Her statement was misrepresented, and the court has now accepted this argument. The FIR has been cancelled, granting Shilpa Shetty a clean chit in this case."

A Long-Awaited Relief

This legal victory marks the end of a decade-long ordeal for Shilpa Shetty. Since 2013, the actress had been embroiled in this controversy, which had occasionally resurfaced in public discourse.

Salman Khan’s Presence

Interestingly, Salman Khan, a close friend of Shilpa Shetty and her co-star in various films, was also present during the TV interview where the controversial comment was made. However, his name was not mentioned in the FIR or subsequent legal proceedings.

Shilpa’s Journey Through Controversies

Shilpa Shetty is no stranger to controversies, often finding herself in legal and public disputes, whether due to her husband Raj Kundra's scandals or her own statements. However, this clean chit offers her a respite and allows her to move past a case that has lingered for over a decade.

As the actress celebrates this legal victory, it underscores the long and often arduous relationship between public figures and the law.