Look Out Circulars

Subject: Polity

Section: Citizenship

Concept:

It is a notice to stop any individual wanted by the police, investigating agency or even a bank from leaving or entering the country through designated land, air and sea ports.
The immigration is tasked to stop any such individual against whom such a notice exists from leaving or entering the country.

Who can issue LOCs?

A large number of agencies which includes the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Income Tax, State police and intelligence agencies are authorized to generate LOCs.
The officer should not be below the rank of a district magistrate or superintendent of police or a deputy secretary in the Union Government.
The Bureau of Immigration (BOI) under the MHA is the only agency to generate LOCs based on requests by different agencies.
Since immigration posts are manned by the BOI officials they are the first responders to execute LOCs by stopping or detaining or informing about an individual to the issuing agency.

How are banks authorized?

The MHA in 2018 brought changes to the 2010 guidelines authorizing the chairman, managing director and chief executives of all public sector banks to generate LOCs against persons who could be detrimental to economic interests of the country.

Are individuals entitled to any remedial measures?

Many citizens have moved courts to get the LOC quashed. The MHA has asserted that “LOCs cannot be shown to the subject” at the time of detention nor can any prior intimation be provided.
As per norms, an LOC will stay valid for a maximum period of 12 months and if there is no fresh request from the agency then it will not be automatically revived.