Q. With reference to look out circular (LOC), consider the following statements:
1.It is mostly used at immigration checkpoints at international airports and seaports by the immigration branch.
2.Only the Enforcement Directorate can issue look out circular (LOC) in India..
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct: An LOC is issued to make sure that an individual who is absconding or wanted by law enforcement agencies is not able to leave the country. It is mostly used at immigration checkpoints at international airports and seaports by the immigration branch.
Statement 2 is incorrect: An LOC can be initiated by a large number of authorised officers, including an officer not below the rank of deputy secretary, an officer not below the rank of joint secretary in the state government, a district magistrate or superintendent of police, designated officers of various law enforcing and security agencies, a designated officer of Interpol, an officer not below the rank of additional director in the Serious Fraud Investigation Office, and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
In 2018, the government also empowered the heads of public sector banks to directly request the authorities to issue an LOC against wilful defaulters to prevent them from leaving the country.
Source: Indian Express
