Supreme Court stays arrest of Richard Gere

New Delhi, Mar 14 : The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the arrest warrant of Hollywood actor Richard Gere in connection with a kissing row involving Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty.

While giving him relief, a bench comprising Chief Justice K. G. Balakrishnan, Justices Altamas Kabir and J. M. Panchal said he would be free to visit and travel outside the country.

Gere will not have to appear before the Jaipur court, which had issued the arrest warrant against him, the apex court said.

The controversial kissing scene with Shetty took place at an AIDS awareness function last year.

Gere requested the apex court to stay the execution of the arrest warrants issued by police in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. He also demanded that both State Governments provide him with hassle free entry and exit to complete his engagements.

ANI