The Madras High Court has questioned the practice of treating Look Out Circulars (LOCs) as confidential and observed that a person affected by such proceedings should ordinarily be made aware of them.
Justice V. Lakshminarayanan made the observation while hearing a criminal writ petition filed by K. Padmanabhan, who told the Court that he was unaware of the number of LOCs or red flags issued against him.
Background
During the hearing, the Bureau of Immigration submitted that LOCs were confidential documents. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) also supported that position.
The Court, however, formed a prima facie view that an affected person should know about such proceedings, since the person could either comply with them or take appropriate legal action.
The Court connected the issue with constitutional protections available to an accused person, particularly the right to know why adverse proceedings are being faced.
"The Constitution of India guarantees certain rights to an accused person, including the right to know why he is facing adverse proceedings. This country does not follow a kafkaite trial but operates strictly in accordance with the Constitution, particularly Articles 21 and 22."
The High Court directed the Bureau of Immigration and the CBI to file affidavits explaining why LOCs are treated as confidential.
They were also directed to explain how a person can obtain permission to travel abroad before a final report is filed and taken cognisance of by a court.
The matter was adjourned to September 16, 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: K. Padmanabhan v. Central Bureau of Investigation & Anr.
Case Number: W.P.(Crl). No. 2254 of 2026
Judge: Justice V. Lakshminarayanan
Decision Date: September 7, 2026
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