Passport Refused or Stopped by a Look Out Circular? Your Options
A pending case, an old complaint or a police report can stop you from getting a passport or from travelling abroad. Here are the common situations and the options available under Indian law.
Passport refused because a criminal case is pending
Under the Passports Act, 1967, a passport can be refused if a criminal case is pending against you in an Indian court. In many cases, you can ask that court for permission or a no-objection to get a passport or to travel. The passport may then be issued for a limited period.
Passport impounded or revoked
The passport authority can impound or revoke a passport on grounds set out in Section 10 of the Act. You must be given reasons. You can file an appeal under the Act, usually within 30 days of the order.
What is a Look Out Circular (LOC)?
An LOC is an alert issued by an agency to immigration check posts. It can stop a person from leaving India. People often learn about an LOC only at the airport.
How to challenge an LOC
- Find out which agency requested it and why.
- Ask that agency to withdraw it, where the reason no longer exists.
- If needed, file a writ petition in the High Court. Courts have quashed LOCs issued without proper reasons, as they affect the right to travel.
Police verification problems
An adverse police verification report can delay a passport. You can ask for the reasons and submit documents to clear the issue, such as a court order of acquittal or closure.
To speak to an advocate, call +91 63660 42792 or email contact@baselegal.in. You can also send us a message. Read more about our Immigration & Migration practice.
This article is for general information only. It is not legal advice. Please speak to an advocate about your own case.