HYDERABAD: The Telangana High Court on Monday strongly criticised the police for issuing a Look-Out Circular (LOC) against a Singapore-based couple in a domestic violence case, stating that the move, made without following bilateral protocols, was improper and affected India’s international standing.
During a petition filed by the younger brother-in-law of the complainant and his wife, Justice Anil Kumar Jukanti questioned the procedure adopted by the police. The petitioners sought quashing of the DV case filed by a woman from Secunderabad.
The court noted that the police had not followed the Supreme Court’s directions in the Satyendra Kumar ruling on serving notices under Section 41-A of the CrPC. Notices issued through social media were declared invalid.
Justice Jukanti asked whether non-response to such notices could justify an LOC and referred to the couple’s detention at Chennai airport while travelling from Singapore. He remarked that airport detentions were distressing and pointed out that detainees were often not allowed to make calls.
“If officials were detained in court for six hours, they would understand its impact,” Justice Jukanti said.
Assistant Public Prosecutor E Ganesh stated that 41-A notices had been issued but not answered, leading to warrants that were later recalled. He said the trial court had not been informed about the high court’s stay order on the proceedings.
The court pointed out that India and Singapore have a bilateral agreement covering service of notices and summons on foreign nationals.
It said these guidelines and Union government norms on issuing LOCs must be followed. In this case, it found the LOC to be in violation of these rules, affecting the couple’s right to travel.
Justice Jukanti directed the authorities to ensure that the petitioners face no issues while returning to Singapore. They were told to cooperate with the investigation, attend online hearings when required, and appear before the magistrate in person if ordered.
The matter was adjourned for a week.