A Special Judge (PC Act) at the Rouse Avenue Courts has allowed an accused in the alleged ₹450 crore Delhi Jal Board corruption case (FIR No. 10/2022, registered by the Anti-Corruption Branch) to travel abroad for business purposes, reaffirming that the right to travel abroad is an essential facet of the fundamental right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The applicant sought permission to visit Russia from November 11 to December 15, 2025, for renewal of restaurant licences. Allowing the plea, the court directed that the passport be released on November 3, 2025, noting that the proposed visit was bona fide and business-related.
Appearing for the applicant, Advocate K. Gireesh Kumar submitted that his client had cooperated throughout the investigation and that denial of permission would amount to an unreasonable restriction on the right to livelihood and personal liberty. He relied on the Delhi High Court judgment in Parvin Juneja v. Directorate of Enforcement (2023), which held that travel restrictions on an accused must be reasonable and proportionate.
In its order, the court observed:
“The right to travel abroad cannot be curtailed except by a procedure established by law. Restrictions, if any, must be balanced and not excessive, keeping in view the fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 21.”
The State opposed the application, citing apprehensions that the applicant’s spouse was already in Russia and there was a risk of non-return. The court, however, found the concern to be adequately addressed by safeguards imposed and noted that the accused had shown consistent cooperation with the authorities.
The ruling underscores the judiciary’s approach in balancing individual liberty with investigative prudence in corruption and economic offence cases.
