Look-Out Circulars (LOC) and Interpol Notices in NRI Marriage Disputes

Look-Out Circulars (LOC) and Interpol Notices in NRI Marriage Disputes – A Guide for NRIs

In India, legal disputes arising from NRI marriages often involve situations where the overseas husband or spouse tries to evade arrest, skip court hearings, or flee the country.

In such cases, the investigating agency can request a Look-Out Circular (LOC) to restrict international travel and ensure the person faces trial.

At Legal Light Consulting (LLC Lawyer), we assist individuals and families in navigating the legal remedies available under Indian and international law. This article explains the categories of cases in which LOCs can be issued, the procedure for obtaining them, and different types of Interpol notices relevant in such cases.

When Can an Investigating Agency Seek a Look-Out Circular?

An LOC may be issued in cognizable offences under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) or other penal laws when:

• The overseas husband deliberately evades arrest.

• The accused is not appearing before the trial court despite issuance of Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWs).

• Other coercive measures have failed to secure presence.

• There is a likelihood that the accused will leave the country to escape trial or arrest.

In essence, LOC is a preventive tool used to stop absconding individuals from misusing international travel to evade Indian law.

Procedure for Issuing a Look-Out Circular

The Look-Out Circular (LOC) is a coercive measure to compel an accused person to surrender before the investigating agency or court. The subordinate courts’ jurisdiction in affirming or cancelling LOC is similar to that of cancelling or affirming NBWs.

Steps in the LOC Process:

1. Request by Investigating Officer

   • A written request is submitted with full details and reasons for LOC.

   • This request must be addressed to the officer notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

2. Approval by Competent Authority

   • The request must be approved by an officer not below the following rank:

     • Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

     • Joint Secretary in State Government

     • District Magistrate

     • Superintendent of Police (SP) of the concerned district

     • SP in CBI or equivalent level officers

     • Zonal Director, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

     • Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), CBDT, or CBIC officers of equivalent rank

     • Assistant Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB)/Bureau of Immigration (BoI)

     • Deputy Secretary, Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW)

     • SP-level officer in National Investigation Agency (NIA)

     • Assistant Director, Enforcement Directorate (ED)

     • Protector of Emigrants

     • Designated Interpol Officer

3. Court-Ordered LOC

   • LOC can also be issued directly as per directions of any criminal court in India.

Interpol Notices: Types and Their Significance

Interpol issues various types of color-coded notices to assist in international policing. For NRIs facing matrimonial or related disputes, some of these may become relevant.

1. Red Notice – For locating and arresting wanted persons, usually for extradition.

2. Yellow Notice – For tracing missing persons, often minors, or identifying persons unable to identify themselves.

3. Blue Notice – For gathering additional information about a suspect’s identity, location, or activities.

4. Black Notice – To seek details about unidentified bodies.

5. Green Notice – To alert about criminals likely to re-offend in other countries.

6. Orange Notice – To warn of threats to public safety from dangerous persons, objects, or events.

7. Interpol-UN Security Council Special Notice – For individuals or groups sanctioned by the UN Security Council.

8. Purple Notice – To exchange information on criminal methods, devices, or concealment techniques.

Why This Matters for NRI Marriages

In cases of desertion, dowry harassment, or cruelty by NRI husbands, Indian authorities can escalate the matter if the accused avoids trial. With LOCs and Interpol notices, international cooperation ensures that offenders cannot escape justice by exploiting cross-border complexities.

How Legal Light Consulting (LLC Lawyer) Supports NRIs

At Legal Light Consulting, we provide legal remedies and guidance for NRI marriage disputes, including:

•  Filing complaints under IPC & CrPC against absconding NRIs.

•  Assistance in getting LOCs issued against overseas husbands.

•  Legal support in Interpol notice-related cases.

•  Coordination with Indian embassies, consulates, and law enforcement agencies.

•  Representation in Indian courts to protect the rights of women and families affected by NRI disputes.

Conclusion

The Look-Out Circular (LOC) is an important tool to ensure that offenders in NRI marriage disputes cannot evade Indian justice by fleeing abroad. Similarly, Interpol notices extend cooperation across borders to track down offenders, protect victims, and strengthen international law enforcement.

👉 This article is for educational purposes only.
📞 If you are facing such a situation and need professional help, contact Legal Light Consulting (LLC Lawyer) today for expert legal advice and representation.