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Delhi HC judge questions ED on Rana Ayyub lookout circular, lets her go abroad
Rana Ayyub was asked to inform the agencies where she was staying and deposit some money, while her counsel volunteered to share her client's itinerary
Delhi HC on Monday allowed journalist Rana Ayyub to travel abroad but with certain conditions. Ayyub was asked to inform the agencies where she was staying and deposit some money while her counsel also volunteered to share her client's itinerary.
Justice Chandra Dhari Singh said, "Writ allowed, petition disposed, will pass detailed order".
Ayyub was earlier stopped at the Mumbai airport by immigration authorities on the basis of a lookout circular (LOC) issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against her in a money laundering case.
The judge questioned the ED counsel about the LoC. “How do you defend your lookout circular? It is an admitted fact that whenever summon was issued, she replied and appeared before officers. How do you say that she is avoiding investigation? Because for LOC, evidence should be satisfied,” the court said.
Additional solicitor general (ASG) SV Raju, who appeared for the ED, said the agency had sought documents from Ayyub that was not submitted. "She is saying they are received from Bombay office which isn't correct. This is a serious matter. Our apprehension is that she may go out and not come back," he said.
"Fake bills have been provided, prima facie there is a case of cheating. Therefore propensity to flee and not come back. Therefore we are saying explain, sit with us, give us statement and then go," Raju added while opposing the plea.
On February 10, the ED had attached funds worth ₹1.77 crore from bank accounts of Ayyub over charges of misappropriation. She had denied the allegations.
