ORDER

The petitioner is the 7th accused in S.C No.1645/2023 on the file of the Court of Additional Session - II, Ernakulam, (‘Trial Court’, in short) which has originated from O.R No.2/2023 registered by the Narcotics Control Bureau, Kochi, Ernakulam.

2. The petitioner has stated in the Criminal Miscalleneous Case that he secured an admission for higher studies in Germany. Consequently, he made an application for the return of his passport before the Trial Court. By Annexure B order, the petitioner was directed to file an affidavit that he would not dispute his identity, and by Annexure C order the petitioner's passport has been returned to him for a period of two years to pursue his higher studies. However, the petitioner has learnt that, during the course of the investigation, the respondent nos. 1 and 2 had issued a Look-Out Circular (LOC) and the same has not been withdrawn. The LOC , if not withdrawn, is likely to cause severe prejudice and hardship to the petitioner, while he is travelling abroad because he may be held up in the Airport, which will cause severe embarrassment and mental agony to him. Therefore, the LOC may be quashed in light of Annexure C order passed by the