
Businessman Granted Permission to Travel Abroad for Daughter's Studies
A Delhi court has granted permission to businessman Sidhant Gupta, accused in a money laundering case, to travel abroad to drop his daughter off for studies in Singapore. The court noted that Gupta's right to free movement includes traveling abroad and that he had previously been granted permission to travel for a similar purpose in a related case.
Gupta, the director of Kwality Ltd., had sought suspension of the Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against him and permission to travel to Singapore from January 25 to February 8, 2025. The court granted his request, allowing him to travel during this period on the condition that he furnishes a surety bond and an FDR of Rs. 6 lakh.
The court acknowledged that the Enforcement Directorate is investigating Gupta in a money laundering case, but also noted that his anticipatory bail application is pending before the court. Additionally, the court considered the fact that Gupta had been granted permission to travel abroad in a related case and that no prejudice would be caused to the Enforcement Directorate by allowing him to travel for this limited period.
Gupta's lawyer stated that he needed to travel to Singapore to drop off his daughter, who is going abroad for further studies. He also wished to make arrangements for her stay there. The court considered these factors and granted Gupta permission to travel.
This case highlights the importance of balancing the right to free movement with the need for investigation in criminal cases. The court's decision to allow Gupta to travel abroad demonstrates its sensitivity to individual circumstances while ensuring that the investigation is not hampered.