The Uttarakhand High Court has refused to cancel the Look-Out Circular (LOC) issued against Asad Khan, who is facing allegations of forging documents to sell a plot of land in Haridwar for ₹95 lakh. Justice Pankaj Purohit held that the circular had been validly issued and that there was no reason to interfere with it.
Two FIRs were filed against Khan in connection with the same property.
The first, lodged by Praneet Kohli at Buggawala police station, alleged that Khan sold a plot in Haridwar to Kohli’s son, Mudit Kohli, using forged documents.
The second FIR accused Khan of forging the signatures of complainant Zulfan and his brother to execute the sale for ₹95 lakh.
Khan was arrested in June 2022 and released on bail the following month. He came to know about the LOC through an order dated July 20, 2023.
In his writ petition, Khan described the LOC as arbitrary and illegal. He argued that:
- He had never attempted to evade proceedings.
- He had cooperated fully with the investigation.
- He had not been summoned for questioning since his bail in July 2022.
- No reasons were given for issuing the LOC, contrary to the guidelines.
- The circular restricted his fundamental rights, including his right to travel abroad.
Khan also sought permission to visit Switzerland and London to meet his son and for tourism.
The state government strongly opposed the plea, submitting that the LOC was issued after due investigation based on incriminating material. It informed the court that:
- A charge sheet has already been filed.
- The LOC was necessary to ensure Khan’s presence during trial.
- The allegations involve serious offences such as forgery and fraud involving large financial transactions.
- Records showed significant financial dealings abroad, creating a credible apprehension that Khan might leave the country.
After hearing both sides, the court declined to cancel the LOC. Justice Purohit noted that the allegations involve forged documents and a high-value land transaction, and the material placed by investigators indicated potential financial activities abroad.
The court concluded that continuation of the LOC was justified to prevent the possibility of Khan fleeing the country and to ensure his availability for judicial proceedings.
The petition was accordingly dismissed.
