Look Out Circular (LOC) in India — stopped at the airport or afraid of one? Who can issue it under the MHA guidelines of 22 February 2021, cognizable offence requirement, how long it lasts, how to find out and get it withdrawn or quashed (Sumer Singh Salkan, Article 21, High Court writ / BNSS s.528), bank-requested LOCs (Viraj Chetan Shah) and permission to travel abroad (2026)
Plain guide for people stopped from flying abroad by immigration, or worried that a police case, bank loan or matrimonial dispute has led to a Look Out Circular: what an LOC is, who can request it and on what grounds, why it does not lapse automatically, how people usually learn about one, and the lawful routes — asking the originating agency to withdraw it, permission from the court where a case is pending, or a writ petition before the High Court. Educational only — not legal advice. Adhiwakta does not contact immigration, police or banks, or file any petition.
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What an LOC is
A Look Out Circular is an alert in the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) system, opened at the request of an authorised agency, so that immigration officers at airports, seaports and land borders can stop a person from leaving India, detain them for the agency, or just inform the agency about their travel. It is issued under executive guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs — currently the consolidated Office Memorandum dated 22 February 2021 — not under a specific Act. The right to travel abroad is part of personal liberty under Article 21 (Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India, 1978), so an LOC must have a lawful basis.
Who can request one, and on what grounds
The 2021 OM lists authorities of a minimum rank who may request an LOC — for example senior officers of the Central Government, State Governments, District Magistrates, Superintendents of Police, central investigating agencies, and courts. Clause 6(H) says recourse to an LOC is to be taken in cognizable offences under penal laws. Clause 6(I) says where there is no cognizable offence, the person cannot be detained, arrested or prevented from leaving; the agency can only ask to be told of arrival or departure. Clause 6(L) allows LOCs in exceptional cases where departure would harm the sovereignty, security or integrity of India, bilateral relations, or strategic or economic interests.
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How long it lasts
Under the earlier 2010 guidelines an LOC was valid for one year unless renewed. Clause 6(J) of the 2021 OM changed this: an LOC stays in force until the originating agency asks the BoI to delete it, and no LOC is deleted automatically. The agency must review its LOCs quarterly and annually and seek deletion when the person is no longer wanted. The Delhi High Court in 2026 (Dr Prannoy Roy v. Union of India) confirmed that the one-year automatic lapse no longer applies.
How people usually find out
Agencies do not normally inform a person before opening an LOC. Most learn at the airport when immigration stops them, or from a court order, police notice or bank letter. If you are stopped, stay calm, ask the immigration officer for the name of the originating agency and the LOC reference if they can share it, and note the date, airport and officer. Information requests under the RTI Act may be refused for security or investigation reasons, so they are not a reliable route. Do not try to leave by another route — that can lead to arrest and make later relief harder.
Getting an LOC withdrawn or quashed
The usual routes are: (1) Write to the originating agency (police station / SP, investigating agency or department) explaining that you are cooperating, giving your address and willingness to join investigation, and asking for withdrawal. (2) If a criminal case is pending in court, apply to that court for permission to travel abroad, offering conditions such as an itinerary, surety or deposit. (3) File a writ petition before the High Court under Article 226 (often with BNSS s.528, old CrPC 482) challenging the LOC as without basis — for instance where no cognizable offence is alleged, the person has been cooperating, or the case is only a civil money dispute. In Sumer Singh Salkan (2010) the Delhi High Court said an LOC is meant for cognizable offences where the accused is deliberately evading arrest or not appearing despite coercive steps, and the affected person may show that it was wrongly issued.
Bank loans and LOCs
Public sector bank heads were added as authorities who could request LOCs against loan defaulters. On 23 April 2024 the Bombay High Court (Viraj Chetan Shah v. Union of India) quashed that power and the LOCs issued on such requests. In August 2024 the Supreme Court stayed that judgment while it hears the Union’s appeal, and directed that the borrowers concerned seek the High Court’s permission to travel abroad, to be decided quickly. Check the current position of that appeal before acting. A loan default alone, without any cognizable offence, is generally a civil matter for the bank to pursue through recovery law.
Matrimonial, cheque bounce and other cases
LOCs are sometimes requested in matrimonial (498A / BNS ss.85–86), cheating or cheque-bounce related cases. Cheque bounce under s.138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act is a complaint case before a Magistrate, and in such cases travel issues are usually handled through the court’s permission rather than police LOCs. Where a court has issued warrants or declared someone a proclaimed person, those orders must be dealt with first — see our guide on non-bailable warrants.
Passport impounding is different
An LOC is separate from action on your passport under the Passports Act, 1967 — refusal (s.6), impounding or revocation (s.10) and temporary suspension (s.10A). If your passport has been impounded or a renewal refused because of a pending criminal case, the remedy is under that Act (appeal / court permission), alongside any LOC challenge.
What this guide is not
It does not say whether an LOC exists against you, whether it is valid, or whether a court will let you travel. Practice differs across agencies and High Courts. For persons who cannot afford counsel, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) provides government legal aid to eligible persons under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
How Adhiwakta can help
We do not contact immigration, police, banks or courts, or file petitions. Adhiwakta is a facilitation platform, not a law firm. We do not file cases, appear before any authority, or promise any result. Use Ask Adhiwakta to describe your situation for general guidance from an independent advocate, or start with the AI helper to organise your facts and papers. Educational only — not formal legal advice.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Look Out Circular?
- An alert in the Bureau of Immigration system, requested by an authorised agency under the MHA Office Memorandum of 22 February 2021, to stop, detain or track a person’s travel abroad.
- Can an LOC be issued without a criminal case?
- The 2021 OM says LOCs are for cognizable offences; without one, a person cannot be stopped from leaving, only tracked. Exceptional cases involving national security or economic interests are an exception.
- How long is an LOC valid?
- Under the 2021 OM it stays until the originating agency asks for deletion; there is no automatic one-year lapse any more. Agencies must review LOCs quarterly and annually.
- How can I get an LOC removed?
- Ask the originating agency to withdraw it, seek permission to travel from the court where your case is pending, or file a writ petition in the High Court under Article 226 if it lacks a lawful basis.
- Can a bank get an LOC issued for a loan default?
- The Bombay High Court quashed public sector banks’ power to request LOCs in April 2024, but the Supreme Court stayed that judgment in August 2024 pending appeal and asked borrowers to seek High Court permission to travel. Check the current status.
- How do I find out if there is an LOC against me?
- Agencies usually do not inform in advance. People typically learn at immigration or through court or police papers. Asking the agency in writing or through your case file is more reliable than RTI.
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