Futile To Continue With LOCs Against Former NDTV Promoters Prannoy Roy, Radhika Roy: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court on Thursday orally remarked that it would be futile to continue with the look out circular (LOC) opened by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against NDTV's former directors and promoters Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy in 2019.

Justice Sachin Datta made the remark after the CBI defended the LOC arguing that the same was kept open to keep a watch on Roys' movements.

“I will hear you in July. There is nothing left in this matter….It will be futile to continue with this LOC,” the Court remarked.

The counsel appearing for the Roys submitted that the duo had answered the summon issued to them in 2019 and that their cooperation in the case was not an issue.

He said that if the investigation goes on for years without any end in sight and if the summons are answered by the Roys, then the said factor weighs in their favour.

The counsel further said that the Roys never evaded summons and that they were allowed to travel abroad on multiple occasions.

On the other hand, the counsel appearing for CBI said that the LOC was issued to keep a watch on the Roys and the case has international ramifications.

The counsel further said that

After hearing the parties for some time, the Court listed the case for hearing next on July 10.

The petitions were filed by the Roys against the LOC which was opened pursuant to the registration of two FIRs dated June 2, 2017 and August 19, 2019.

In January, 2023, a coordinate bench hearing the matter had remarked that the LOC “cannot continue (it) in perpetuity” and that the matter “cannot go on like this.”

Title: DR PRANNOY ROY & ANR. v. UNION OF INDIA & ORS.