Look-Out Circulars (LOCs) and International Notices: Legal Tools for NRI Matrimonial Disputes
In cases where an NRI is accused of a crime in India and tries to evade the legal process by staying abroad, law enforcement agencies have powerful tools at their disposal to compel their return.
The most common of these are the Look-out-Circular (LOC) and, in more serious cases, INTERPOL Notices. At Legal Light Consulting, we provide legal support to help victims of NRI-related offenses use these measures effectively
Legal Light Consulting – Expert Legal Support for NRIs in India and Abroad
In cases involving Non-Resident Indian (NRI) matrimonial disputes—especially those where the overseas spouse evades legal proceedings—Indian law provides powerful tools to ensure accountability.
One such mechanism is the Look-Out Circular (LOC), a legal directive used to prevent individuals from fleeing the country and to compel their appearance before law enforcement or the judiciary.
The Look-out-Circular (LOC)
An LOC is a legal tool used by investigating agencies to restrict or monitor a person’s entry into or exit from India. It is a powerful coercive measure designed to ensure that an individual wanted for a criminal offense appears before an investigating agency or a court of law.
At Legal Light Consulting, we specialize in cross-border family law and criminal litigation. This article explains the circumstances under which LOCs can be issued, the procedure involved, and how international notices under INTERPOL support enforcement across borders.
 What Is a Look-Out Circular (LOC)?
A Look-Out Circular is a coercive legal measure issued by Indian authorities to prevent a person from leaving the country and to compel their surrender before the investigating agency or court. It is typically used when:
- The accused is involved in a cognizable offence under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) or other penal laws
- The person is deliberately evading arrest or ignoring court summons
- Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWs) have been issued but remain unexecuted
- There is a likelihood of the accused fleeing India to avoid trial or arrest
LOCs are especially relevant in NRI matrimonial disputes where the overseas husband fails to appear in court or respond to legal notices.
Procedure for Issuing a Look-Out Circular
The Procedure for Issuing an LOC
- Written Request: The Investigating Officer (IO) must make a formal, written request to a competent authority. This request must detail the reasons for seeking the LOC.
- Competent Authority Approval: The request must be approved by an officer of a specific rank, which includes:
- Deputy Secretary to the Government of India or a Joint Secretary in the State Government.
- District Magistrate or Superintendent of Police (SP) of the concerned district.
- Officers of equivalent rank in central agencies like the CBI, NCB, DRI, or NIA.
- Court Directives: LOCs can also be issued directly based on directions from any criminal court in India. The court’s jurisdiction to order an LOC is the same as its power to issue or cancel a Non-Bailable Warrant.
Issuing an LOC involves a structured legal process and approval from senior government officials:
Step-by-Step Process:
- Written Request: The Investigating Officer submits a formal request to the designated authority, detailing the reasons for seeking an LOC.
- Approval Required: The request must be approved by an officer not below the rank of:
| Authority | Designation |
|---|---|
| Central Government | Deputy Secretary or higher |
| State Government | Joint Secretary or higher |
| District Level | District Magistrate or Superintendent of Police |
| Investigative Agencies | SP in CBI, NCB, NIA, Enforcement Directorate, IB, R&AW, DRI, CBDT, CBEC |
| Immigration | Protector of Emigrants or Deputy Secretary |
| International Coordination | Designated INTERPOL officer |
Legal Light Consulting can assist in preparing LOC requests, coordinating with investigating agencies, and representing clients in court proceedings related to LOC enforcement.
 INTERPOL Notices: Global Enforcement Tools
In cases where the accused has already left India, international cooperation becomes essential. INTERPOL issues various types of notices to assist law enforcement across borders:
Types of INTERPOL Notices:
| Notice Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 🔴 Red Notice | Locate and arrest wanted persons for extradition or legal action |
| 🟡 Yellow Notice | Locate missing persons, especially minors or those unable to identify themselves |
| 🔵 Blue Notice | Gather additional information about a suspect’s identity or activities |
| âš« Black Notice | Identify unknown bodies |
| 🟢 Green Notice | Warn about individuals likely to commit repeat offences internationally |
| 🟠Orange Notice | Alert about threats to public safety (e.g., dangerous individuals or devices) |
| 🟣 Purple Notice | Share information on criminal methods, tools, or concealment techniques |
| 🔵 UN Security Council Special Notice | Target individuals or groups under UN sanctions |
These notices are vital in tracking and apprehending individuals who evade Indian jurisdiction by relocating abroad.
Types of INTERPOL Notices for NRI in Details
- Red Notice: This is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a wanted person with a view to extradition or a similar legal action. It is not an international arrest warrant but is based on an arrest warrant from the requesting country.
- Yellow Notice: To help locate missing persons, often minors, or to identify people who cannot identify themselves.
- Blue Notice: To collect additional information about a person’s identity, location, or activities in relation to a crime.
- Black Notice: To seek information on unidentified bodies.
- Green Notice: To provide warnings and intelligence about persons who have committed crimes and are likely to repeat them in other countries.
- Orange Notice: To warn of an imminent threat to public safety.
- INTERPOL-United Nations Security Council Special Notice: Issued for individuals or groups targeted by UN Security Council sanctions.
- Purple Notice: To seek or provide information on the modus operandi of criminals
Understanding INTERPOL Notices
For cases that extend beyond India’s borders, an INTERPOL notice can be requested. These are international alerts that help law enforcement agencies in different countries cooperate in a case. While there are different types of notices, the most relevant for criminal cases is the Red Notice
 How Legal Light Consulting Supports NRIs
As one of India’s premier law firms for NRI legal matters, Legal Light Consulting offers:
- Â Drafting and filing of LOC requests and NBWs
- Â Legal representation in matrimonial and criminal courts
- Â Coordination with INTERPOL and Indian Missions abroad
- Â Assistance with extradition, deportation, and international legal compliance
- Â Strategic advice for families seeking justice in NRI abandonment or fraud cases
We serve clients across North America, Europe, GCC countries, and Asia-Pacific, offering culturally sensitive and legally sound solutions.
Need Help with NRI Legal Disputes?
If you’re facing abandonment, evasion, or fraud in an NRI marriage and need legal recourse, contact Legal Light Consulting today. Our team of experienced lawyers will guide you through LOC procedures, international enforcement, and cross-border litigation with clarity and compassion.
 This article is for educational purposes only. For personalized legal advice, book an appointment with LLC Lawyers.
