what is lookout circular

A Look Out Circular (LOC) is a circular letter used by authorities in India to check whether a traveling person is wanted by the police. It is a medium by which authorities worldwide issue a different kind of circular letter to check. LOCs are opened to search for absconding criminals and 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 and contain the identification parameters of criminals like name, father’s name, date of birth, passport number, etc. . The purpose of an LOC is solely to track/detain the wanted person and hand them over to the appropriate agency. It is mostly used at immigration checkpoints at international airports and seaports by the immigration branch. An LOC is valid for an initial period of one year, but it can be extended. If the originating agency wants to increase the period of this notice, it may do so before the completion of one year. If no request is made for the extension of the LOC within the stipulated period of one year, the concerned Immigration officer is authorized to suspend the LOC. If an LOC has been issued against an individual, they can seek legal remedies.