Raj Kundra seeks discharge in 4-year pornography case after advocate concludes arguments
Synopsis
After four years in the lower court, Raj Kundra's defence arguments have concluded, and he is now appealing for judicial discharge if found innocent. His public statement underscores frustration with the prolonged legal process while maintaining his position that the content was erotic, not pornographic — a distinction that will likely shape the court's verdict.
Key Takeaways
Raj Kundra appealed for discharge on Wednesday after his advocate Prashant Patil concluded defence arguments in the Mumbai lower court .
Kundra was arrested on 19 July 2021 on charges of producing and distributing adult content via mobile applications.
He was granted bail in September 2021 after spending approximately two months in custody.
The case invokes sections of the Indian Penal Code , the Information Technology Act , and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act .
Kundra maintains the content was erotic rather than pornographic, and has denied wrongdoing throughout the four-year legal process.
Actor and businessman Raj Kundra, husband of actress Shilpa Shetty, has broken his relative silence on Wednesday, appealing for judicial discharge if found innocent in a four-year-old explicit content case that has consumed his legal calendar since July 2021. His advocate Prashant Patil concluded defence arguments in the Mumbai lower court on the day, marking a potential turning point in the prolonged proceedings.
What Kundra said
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kundra stated: "Four long years in the lower court in the ongoing pornography case. Today, my advocate Prashant Patil concluded our arguments. I stand by the truth if I'm guilty, punish me. If not, grant me a discharge, my freedom, and the respect taken away by relentless media trials. Justice delayed is justice denied. #Justice". He underscored his cooperation with investigators throughout and his respect for the judicial process, while expressing frustration at the timeline.
The charges and arrest
Kundra was arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch on 19 July 2021 on allegations of producing and distributing adult content via subscription-based mobile applications. Police designated him a "key conspirator" in the operation. Investigators alleged that videos were produced in India and uploaded through foreign-linked platforms to circumvent domestic regulations. The case invoked sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, with multiple accused persons involved in filming, content management, and monetisation.
Custody and bail timeline
After spending approximately two months in judicial custody, Kundra was granted bail in September 2021. Court proceedings and related investigations have continued uninterrupted since his release, extending the case into its fifth calendar year.
Kundra's defence position
Kundra has consistently denied wrongdoing, maintaining that the content in question was erotic in nature rather than pornographic — a legal distinction that hinges on obscenity thresholds under Indian law. His legal team has emphasised full cooperation with authorities at each investigative stage.
What comes next
With defence arguments concluded, the court is now expected to hear final submissions before a verdict. The outcome will determine whether Kundra receives the discharge he is seeking or faces conviction under the charges filed.
Point of View
And the court's interpretation will set precedent. Four years for a lower court verdict on content regulation is emblematic of India's judicial backlog, but the case also reflects evolving tensions between digital content platforms, regulatory oversight, and the blurred boundaries of permissible expression. Whether the court grants discharge or conviction, the verdict will influence how similar cases are prosecuted.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Raj Kundra pornography case about?
Raj Kundra was arrested on 19 July 2021 by the Mumbai Crime Branch for allegedly producing and distributing adult content via subscription-based mobile applications. Police alleged he was a key conspirator in uploading videos through foreign-linked platforms to bypass Indian regulations. The case involves charges under the Indian Penal Code, Information Technology Act, and Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.
When was Raj Kundra arrested and when did he get bail?
Raj Kundra was arrested on 19 July 2021 and spent approximately two months in judicial custody before being granted bail in September 2021. He has remained on bail throughout the ongoing court proceedings.
What is Raj Kundra's defence in the case?
Kundra has consistently denied wrongdoing, maintaining that the content in question was erotic in nature rather than pornographic. His legal team has emphasised full cooperation with investigators at every stage of the inquiry.
What did Raj Kundra say on Wednesday?
On Wednesday, Kundra posted on X stating that after four years in the lower court, his advocate concluded their defence arguments. He appealed for discharge if found innocent, citing frustration with the prolonged legal process and media trials, while reaffirming his commitment to truth and justice.
How long has the case been ongoing?
The case has been ongoing for nearly four years since Kundra's arrest on 19 July 2021. With defence arguments now concluded, the court is expected to move toward a verdict in the coming weeks or months.
