Look out circular explained

Look out circular (LOC) is a circular letter used by authorities in India to check whether a traveling person is wanted by the police. It may be used at immigration checks at international borders such as international airports or sea ports.

Definition

Look out circulars are opened to search for absconding criminals and also to prevent and monitor effectively the entry or exit of anyone who may be sought by law enforcement authorities.[1] When issued, they are sent to all immigration checkpoints in the country. An LOC is valid for an initial period of one year, but can be extended.

Effectiveness

Many individuals with pending criminal proceeding are living or working or travelling abroad, and an LOC is not issued in every case. The number of LOCs issued and the grounds for their issue are not available.[2] This has led to a perception of corruption.[3] [4] [5] [6] [7] Many high profile individuals have avoided criminal investigation or proceeding by travelling abroad.[8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15]

Notes and References

  1. Chapter 25 of Crime Manual of Central Bureau of Investigation, India
  2. Web site: CBI imbroglio gets murkier amid fresh accusations.
  3. Web site: CBI Refutes Rahul Gandhi’s Charges of Aiding Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi's Escape Plans.
  4. Web site: Study Finds India Is Asia's Most Corrupt Country, While Japan Comes In Last.
  5. Web site: The shortcomings of India’s police are not entirely their fault.
  6. Web site: Curruption Perception Index 2017.
  7. Web site: Revenue, police departments lead corruption chart.
  8. Web site: Lookout Notice issued against Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi: IT sources.
  9. Web site: Didn't Think Vijay Mallya Was Flight Risk: CBI On Diluted Lookout Notice.
  10. Web site: CBI's U-turn on Vijay Mallya lookout circular may have helped him leave India.
  11. Web site: By Time CBI Sent Lookout Notice, Nirav Modi, 3 Others Had Long Left India.
  12. Web site: Nirav Modi flies on revoked passport, CBI tweaks look out notice on Mallya: How technicalities helped them flee country.
  13. Web site: CBI under lens for diluting Vijay Mallya lookout circular.
  14. Web site: Mystery of Vijay Mallya look-out circular: CBI diluted notice to correct mistake.
  15. Web site: CBI says changing Look Out Circular against Vijay Mallya an error of judgment.