Actor and entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty has firmly rejected the allegations levelled against Bastian Garden City in Bengaluru, a pub co-owned by her, stating that the charges are baseless, motivated, and legally untenable, while asserting that justice will ultimately prevail through due process of law.
Shilpa Shetty responded on Wednesday after cases were registered against two pubs in Bengaluru, including Bastian Garden City, for allegedly operating beyond permitted hours. Addressing the matter through a detailed statement shared on her official Instagram account, the actor urged restraint from the media, emphasising that the issue is currently under judicial consideration. Her response came amid heightened public attention following reports of a police case and a subsequent Income Tax Department raid at the establishment, developments that have placed the popular hospitality venue under intense scrutiny.
In her statement, Shetty categorically denied the allegations circulating in the public domain, asserting that the matter was being given a criminal colour without any lawful basis. She clarified that a quashing petition has already been filed before the High Court and is pending adjudication, underscoring her confidence in the judicial system and the rule of law. The actor also highlighted that full cooperation has been extended to investigating agencies and that there is no attempt to evade scrutiny.
Shilpa Shetty’s response, legal position, and appeal for media restraint
Shilpa Shetty’s reaction marked her first detailed public response since reports emerged about legal action involving Bastian Garden City. In her Instagram post, she stated that the allegations being made were not only incorrect but also motivated, and that they lacked any sound legal foundation. According to her, the issues raised against the pub were being portrayed as criminal offences despite there being no justification for such an interpretation under the law.
Shetty revealed that her legal team has already approached the High Court by filing a quashing petition, which seeks to nullify the case registered against the establishment. The matter, she said, is currently sub judice, meaning it is under judicial consideration and therefore should not be subjected to trial by media or speculative reporting. She emphasised that once the court examines the facts and legal arguments, the truth will become evident.
In her statement, Shetty also made it clear that she and the management of the pub have cooperated fully with the investigation at every stage. She expressed confidence that the investigating authorities would act fairly and objectively, and reiterated her faith in the judicial institutions of the country. Her tone remained measured and composed, reflecting an attempt to address the controversy without escalating tensions or engaging in public confrontation.
A significant part of her message was directed at the media, whom she urged to exercise restraint and responsibility while reporting on the matter. Shetty stressed that premature conclusions or sensational coverage could be misleading, especially when legal proceedings are ongoing. By appealing for balanced reporting, she sought to ensure that public perception is not shaped by incomplete or inaccurate information.
The actor’s response also highlighted a broader concern often raised by public figures when legal matters attract widespread attention. Shetty appeared keen to draw a clear line between legitimate legal processes and public discourse, suggesting that the latter should not undermine the former. Her statement was widely shared and discussed, with supporters praising her calm approach and critics calling for clarity once investigations are complete.
Background of the case, police action, and ongoing investigation
The controversy surrounding Bastian Garden City emerged after the Bengaluru police registered cases against two pubs in the city, including the one co-owned by Shilpa Shetty, for allegedly operating beyond permitted hours. The action followed reports that certain establishments were functioning late into the night in violation of licensing norms. According to police sources, the cases were part of a broader enforcement drive aimed at ensuring compliance with regulations governing nightlife venues in Bengaluru.
Bastian Garden City is operated by Bastian Hospitality, a company founded by businessman Ranjit Bindra. Shilpa Shetty reportedly invested in the venture in 2019 and holds a 50 percent stake in the establishment. Over the years, Bastian has built a strong brand presence in India’s hospitality sector, known for its upscale ambience and celebrity clientele. The Bengaluru outlet, located near Church Street, is one of the prominent nightlife destinations in the city.
Adding to the developments, the Income Tax Department conducted a raid at the Bastian outlet near Church Street around the same time. While official details regarding the scope and findings of the raid have not yet been made public, the action further intensified attention on the establishment. Authorities have indicated that further information would be shared as the inquiry progresses, though no conclusions have been announced so far.
The timing of the police case and the tax raid coincided with the circulation of a CCTV video on social media, which reportedly showed a late-night incident at the pub around 1.30 am on December 11. The footage, which went viral online, captured two groups of patrons engaged in a heated verbal exchange and brief heckling. While the video attracted significant attention, there were no reports of a serious physical altercation or major law-and-order issue arising from the incident.
Despite the absence of reported violence, the video became a focal point for online discussions, with some users questioning whether the pub was operating beyond permitted hours at the time. This speculation contributed to the broader narrative around the police case, even as official investigations continued. Shilpa Shetty’s statement did not directly reference the video, but her denial of allegations and emphasis on legal remedies suggested a broader rebuttal of all claims being made against the establishment.
The case has also reignited discussions about the regulatory environment governing pubs and nightlife venues in Bengaluru. Over the years, authorities in the city have periodically tightened enforcement of operating hours, noise regulations, and licensing conditions, citing concerns over public order and safety. Establishments, on the other hand, have often argued for clearer guidelines and more consistent enforcement to avoid ambiguity.
For Shilpa Shetty, the situation represents a challenging intersection of her roles as a public figure and a business investor. While she is best known for her career in films and television, her involvement in the hospitality sector has also placed her in the spotlight beyond the entertainment industry. The current controversy underscores the heightened scrutiny that celebrity-backed businesses often face, particularly when legal or regulatory issues arise.
As the matter awaits judicial review, all eyes remain on the outcome of the High Court proceedings and the findings of the ongoing investigations. Shilpa Shetty’s assertion that justice will prevail reflects her confidence that the legal process will address the allegations fairly and conclusively. Until then, the case continues to attract public interest, shaped by legal developments, official statements, and the broader debate around regulation and accountability in urban nightlife spaces.
