Delhi High Court Quashes LOC Against British Citizen, Says Familial Ties Not Grounds for Travel

The Delhi High Court quashed the Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against a British citizen, holding that vague economic interest or mere familial connection with an accused under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) cannot justify such restraint.

She was detained overnight at Delhi Airport on March 23 after being informed that the LOC was linked to her estranged uncle, businessman Sanjay Bhandari.

Justice Datta ruled that the detention violated LOC guidelines and said authorities must show a specific flight risk to justify restrictions.

The Court allowed her to return to the UK after filing an undertaking to cooperate.

[Puja Chadha v Directorate of Enforcement]