Matrimonial disputes: Another lookout circular issued against NRI

The government has decided to issue one more Look out Circular (LoC) against an NRI to create a stronger deterrent for husbands who have abandoned their wives in India, the Women and Child Development Ministry (WCD) said on Wednesday.

The decision was taken by the Integrated Nodal Agency (INA) which is headed by WCD Secretary Rakesh Srivastava.

The ministry has issued six LoCs since April after examining the complaints received regarding Non-Resident Indian (NRI) matrimonial disputes.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had also decided to revoke the passports of five NRIs against whom LoCs were issued by INA.

In criminal matters involving NRIs, LoC could be issued by the INA in cognisable offences, when the overseas husband is deliberately evading arrest or not appearing in the trial court despite Non Bailable Warrants and other coercive measures or there is a likelihood that he will leave the country to evade trial or arrest.

The LoC will be issued after having the case scrutinised by National Commission for Women (NCW).

Meanwhile, to take stringer action against absconding NRI husbands, the WCD Ministry has also proposed amendments which includes impounding of passports and confiscation of the property of those who have been found guilty of deserting their wives and failed to appear in the court that will be send for cabinet nod soon.

--IANS

som/pgh/vm