Supreme Court Grants Final 9-Month Extension in Sheena Bora Murder Trial

In Indrani Mukerjea v. Central Bureau of Investigation, the Supreme Court has granted a nine-month extension to complete the trial in the Sheena Bora murder case, while clearly stating that no further extension will be allowed.

The extension was granted after a request was made by the Special Judge of the CBI Court in Mumbai. The trial court informed the Supreme Court that additional time was required to conclude the proceedings in the case, which has been pending for several years.

A Bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh considered the request and allowed the extension. However, the Court imposed a strict condition, making it clear that this would be the final extension granted in the matter.

“Considering the prayer made, the time to conclude the trial stands extended by 9 months while making it clear that no further prayer seeking extension of time will be entertained,” the Court said.

The case relates to the alleged murder of Sheena Bora in 2012, which came to light in 2015. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has accused Indrani Mukerjea, the mother of the deceased, of being the main conspirator behind the crime.

According to the prosecution, the offence was carried out with the help of her former husband Sanjeev Khanna, her then-husband Peter Mukerjea, and driver Shyamvar Rai. The allegations include offences such as criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, and destruction of evidence under the Indian Penal Code.

Indrani Mukerjea was arrested in 2015 and remained in custody for over six years before being granted bail by the Supreme Court in 2022. The Court had then taken note of the prolonged incarceration and the slow progress of the trial.

In the present order, the Supreme Court has also allowed Mukerjea to file a fresh application seeking permission to travel abroad. This liberty was granted in line with an earlier order passed in February 2025.

The direction for a strict timeline reflects the Court’s concern over delays in criminal trials, especially in cases involving serious charges. By setting a final deadline, the Court has emphasised the need for timely completion of proceedings and effective administration of justice.

With this extension, the trial court is now expected to expedite hearings and ensure that the case reaches its conclusion within the stipulated period.