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Madras High CourtWP Crl./572/2026disposed of

D.Ramesh v. The Assistant Director/Sic,

2026-06-05Honourable Mr Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan5 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 05-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE G.K. ILANTHIRAIYAN D.Ramesh S/o.Duraisamy, No.3/214A, Kumar Nagar, Karumathampatti, Sulur Taluk, Coimbatore - 641 659.

..Petitioner Vs

1. The Assistant Director/SIC, Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, East Block-VII, Level -5, R.K.Puram, New Delhi - 110 066.

2. Superintendent of Police, CBCID, Chennai - 600 008.

3. Inspector of Police, CBCID, Nagapattinam District.

..Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition (Criminal) filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondent to withdraw the Look Out Circular against the petitioner passport No.X9441880 on the file of the respondent herein issued by the Central Government of India by considering the petitioner's representation dated 18.02.2026 within stipulated time fixed by this Honble Court.

For Petitioner:

M/s.R.Sankarasubbu For Respondents:

Mr.R.Ganesh Kumar Counsel for Government of Tamil Nadu (Criminal Side) for R2 and R3

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to withdraw the Look Out Circular issued against the petitioner Passport. 2.

The petitioner is an accused in C.C.No.295 of 2025 pursuant to the registration of the FIR in Crime No.2 of 2024 for the offences punishable under Sections 120(B), 368, 371, 374, 420 of IPC and Section 10 read with 24 of Emigration Act. Pending trial, the petitioner filed a discharge petition in Crl.M.P.No.3231 of 2025 and the same was allowed by order dated 09.02.2026, thereby discharging the petitioner from all the charges. However, despite the discharge, the third respondent has not withdrawn the Look Out Circular issued against the petitioner's passport which continues to restrict the petitioner to visit abroad. Even after discharging the petitioner from all the charges, till date the Look Out Circular is pending. Therefore, the petitioner submitted a representation to withdraw the Look Out Circular against the petitioner and it is pending for consideration.

3.

The third respondent has filed a counter affidavit. On instructions, the learned Counsel for Government of Tamil Nadu (Criminal Side) submitted that, aggrieved by the order dated 09.02.2026 passed by the Trial Court in Crl,M.P.No.3231 of 2026 in C.C.No.295 of 2025, thereby discharged the petitioner from all the charges, the prosecution has preferred a revision petition before this Court and it is pending in SR stage. Further, the allegations against the petitioner are very grave in nature, inasmuch as the petitioner, along with others, had allegedly recruited job aspirants and compelled them to involved in online scam activities. According to the respondents, though the serious allegations made against the petitioner, the Trial Court discharged the petitioner from all the charges. However, as on date, the order of discharge remains in force. Therefore, the continuance of the Look Out Circular against the petitioner's passport cannot be sustained merely on account of the pendency of the revision proceedings.

4.

In view of the above, the Look Out Circular issued as against the petitioner's passport is hereby cancelled. The petitioner is at liberty to visit abroad on condition that he shall file an affidavit before the third respondent furnishing the details of the country proposed to be visited, the address of his stay, his international mobile number, etc.. It is also made clear that if the respondents succeed in the revision proceedings, they can very well restore the Look Out Circular against the petitioner's passport in accordance with law.

5.

With the above direction, this Writ Petition (Criminal) stands disposed of. No costs.

05-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order LPP To 1.The Assistant Director/SIC, Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, East Block-VII, Level -5, R.K.Puram, New Delhi - 110 066.

2.The Superintendent of Police, CBCID, Chennai - 600 008.

3.The Inspector of Police, CBCID, Nagapattinam District.

4.The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras.

G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN J.

LPP 05-06-2026