Travel Abroad? “No Chance While 2 LOCs Stand,” Says Goyal To HC

Businessman and BJP leader Sandeep Goyal has told the Delhi High Court there is virtually no possibility of him travelling abroad while two Look Out Circulars (LOCs) remain in force against him. He argued that his movements are already tightly restricted and that any foreign travel is effectively off the table under the current regime. The case once again spotlights how LOCs are used in economic offence probes, and how courts balance the right to travel with investigative needs.

In court, Goyal’s counsel is understood to have stressed that immigration authorities would immediately stop him at any international departure point, making fresh travel permissions meaningless while the LOCs are active. The High Court is examining whether any relaxation is warranted and what safeguards would be necessary if limited travel is ever allowed.  

Why The LOCs Matter  

Look Out Circulars are issued to alert immigration posts and can prevent an individual from leaving India if they are under investigation or seen as a flight risk. In Goyal’s case, the twin LOCs mean his passport is practically unusable for foreign travel, regardless of any private or professional commitments abroad. The submissions underline how powerful an instrument an LOC can be, even without custodial action.  

Court’s Focus On Safeguards  

The High Court is focusing on whether allowing Goyal to travel, even with conditions, could compromise ongoing investigations or recovery proceedings. Judges are weighing factors such as his past conduct, cooperation with agencies and the nature of allegations before considering any relaxation. For now, the message from Goyal’s side is clear: the LOCs themselves are a complete barrier to stepping out of the country.  

Legal Flashpoints Highlights  

• Two active Look Out Circulars make foreign travel practically impossible  
• Goyal tells Delhi High Court there is “no possibility” of going abroad under current LOCs  
• Court scrutinises whether any conditional relaxation can be safely granted  
• Case highlights the restrictive impact of LOCs on right to travel  
• Outcome could shape future arguments in high-profile economic offence matters  

Sources: Contemporary court reporting on Delhi High Court proceedings, legal explainers on Look Out Circulars, and recent coverage of Sandeep Goyal’s submissions regarding foreign travel restrictions