Look out circular (LOC) is a circular letter used by authorities in

India India, officially the Republic of India (Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the so ...

to check whether a traveling person is wanted by the police. It may be used at

immigration Immigration is the international movement of people to a destination country of which they are not natives or where they do not possess citizenship in order to settle as permanent residents or naturalized citizens. Commuters, tourists, and ...

checks at

international border Borders are usually defined as geographical boundaries, imposed either by features such as oceans and terrain, or by political entities such as governments, sovereign states, federated states, and other subnational entities. Political borders c ...

s such as international

airport An airport is an aerodrome with extended facilities, mostly for commercial air transport. Airports usually consists of a landing area, which comprises an aerially accessible open space including at least one operationally active surface ...

s or

sea port A port is a maritime facility comprising one or more wharves or loading areas, where ships load and discharge cargo and passengers. Although usually situated on a sea coast or estuary, ports can also be found far inland, such as Ham ...

Definition

Look out circulars are opened to search for absconding criminals and also to prevent and monitor effectively the entry or exit of anyone who may be sought by law enforcement authorities. When issued, they are sent to all immigration checkpoints in the country. An LOC is valid for an initial period of one year, but can be extended.

Effectiveness

Many individuals with pending criminal proceeding are living or working or travelling abroad, and an LOC is not issued in every case. The number of LOCs issued and the grounds for their issue are not available. This has led to a perception of corruption. Many high profile individuals have avoided criminal investigation or proceeding by travelling abroad.

References

{{Reflist Law enforcement in India