Ragunathan v. The Deputy Superintendent Of Police
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 12.12.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE A.D.JAGADISH CHANDIRA Ragunathan ... Petitioner Vs.
1. The Deputy Superintendent of Police CB-CID/Immigration Authority Chennai
2. The Inspector of Police Vadavalli Police Station Coimbatore ... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition (Criminal) filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the 2nd respondent to forthwith withdraw the Look Out Circular, issued against the petitioner, Ragunathan, holder of Indian Passport No.W5552979 in connection with Crime No.325 of 2023, on the file of Vadavalli Police Station, Coimbatore, and consequently, permit the petitioner to travel abroad. For Petitioner : Mr.G.Uma Maheswari For Respondents : Mr.K.M.D.Muhilan Additional Public Prosecutor
O R D E R
This Writ Petition has been filed to direct the 2nd respondent to forthwith withdraw the Look Out Circular, issued against the petitioner, Ragunathan, holder of Indian Passport No.W5552979, in connection with 1/4
Crime No.325 of 2023, on the file of Vadavalli Police Station, Coimbatore, and consequently, permit the petitioner to travel abroad.
2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is an accused in Crime No.325 of 2023, on the file of the 2nd respondent police, for offences under Sections 406 and 420 IPC. The petitioner had obtained anticipatory bail. However, during April 2024, while the petitioner was returning to India, he was detained by the immigration authority based on the Look Out Circular (L.O.C.) issued by the 2nd respondent. He further submitted that the L.O.C. was issued only for the purpose of investigation. The petitioner had co-operated in the investigation and as on date, the investigation has been completed; final report has also been filed and the same has been taken on file in C.C.No.4284 of 2025, on the file of the learned Judicial Magistrate No.6, Coimbatore and now, the case stands posted for trial. He also submitted that right of travel abroad is a fundamental right. If the L.O.C. is not withdrawn, the petitioner would be gravely prejudiced.
3. The learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for the respondents 1 and 2, submitted that now the case in C.C.No.4284 of 2025, stands posted for appearance of the accused on 09.01.2026.
4. Considering the above facts and circumstances, the petitioner is directed to appear before the trial Court and execute a bond for Rs.50,000/-, 2/4
with two sureties for a like sum and also file an affidavit of undertaking before the trial Court that he will co-operate for the speedy disposal of the case and also appear before the trial Court as and when his presence is required by the trial Court. On such compliance and production of order from the Magistrate, the Deputy Commissioner (South), Coimbatore, shall take steps to withdraw the L.O.C.
5. It is made clear that if the petitioner does not co-operate for the speedy disposal of trial, the respondent police shall revive the LOC.
6. With the above directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. 12.12.2025 ksa-2 To
1. The Deputy Superintendent of Police CB-CID/Immigration Authority Chennai
2. The Inspector of Police Vadavalli Police Station Coimbatore
3. The Public Prosecutor High Court of Madras Copy to The Deputy Commissioner (South), Coimbatore 3/4
A.D.JAGADISH CHANDIRA J.
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