HC refuses passport to 'tainted' businessman

The High Court of Karnataka on Tuesday refused to allow the passport application filed by a city-based businessman fleeing the law.

In 2009, the CBI had registered an FIR against Sudheer Sriram of Bengaluru in a Rs 1,208-crore international trade fraud. He was accused of exporting iron straps to several countries in the guise of selling copper and nickel. The exports were primarily to Hong Kong and the UAE. He fled the country after he was exposed. A non-bailable warrant and Red Corner Notice were issued against him. His passport was also impounded.

Sriram was arrested by the Interpol in Spain. He then approached the high court stating that he would return to India on October 28, 2015. Accordingly, the court recorded his undertaking and recalled NBW against him. However, Sriram fled to the UAE.

The counsel for the CBI, P Prasanna Kumar, contended that Sriram was flying between countries though his passport had been impounded. According to the CBI, he has four passports. The CBI counsel also stated that according to Section 6 and Section 10 of the Passport Act, a passport cannot be issued if a criminal case is pending against the applicant or he faces a warrant.

Justice A S Bopanna rejected the application and asked the petitioner to approach the Indian Embassy in the country he was presently staying, seeking emergency travel documents.

The court stated that if he does not come to India within four weeks of filing the application, the Red Corner Notice against him will be revived. It also directed the petitioner to report to the immigration officials as soon as he lands in India.