The Delhi High Court has instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to begin the process of issuing an Interpol Red Corner Notice against a UK-based Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder. This individual was found guilty of repeatedly disobeying court orders to pay interim maintenance for his minor daughter. The court noted his deliberate disregard for judicial authority and sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 2,000.
The court’s judgment highlighted the respondent’s failure to comply with directives to provide financial support for his daughter’s welfare, despite multiple court orders. The individual had also expressed his intention to withdraw from Indian court jurisdiction, further complicating the legal proceedings. The court rejected his defense of financial incapacity, citing a lack of credible evidence and deliberate attempts to evade compliance.
Referring to the respondent’s continued absence from India, the court deemed it necessary to utilize international mechanisms to ensure his presence for enforcement of the sentence. Consequently, the CBI has been directed to request Interpol for a Red Corner Notice to locate, arrest, and detain the individual. Additionally, steps are to be taken for the issuance of an Interpol Diffusion to aid in tracing and apprehending the contemnor.
The court also instructed the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to alert relevant police authorities and the CBI to facilitate the individual’s arrest upon his return to India. Arrest warrants and committal warrants have been ordered against the contemnor, with the matter scheduled for further review on July 27.
