ANEESH JOSE Vs. GEORGE INTERNATIONAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal has been filed challenging interim order dated 20-02-2020 in W.P (C) No.34614/2019, which reads as under;

(2.) The appellant herein is the 7th respondent in the writ petition. Writ petition was filed by the office bearers of M/s. George International, an agency dealing in arranging Visa to various emigrants. The contention urged was that there had been personal threat from various quarters and there is every chance of a law and order situation. During pendency of the writ petition, the appellant herein was impleaded as additional 7 th respondent. Government of India and Passport Authority of India were also impleaded. The learned Single Judge, on noticing that substantial amounts had been collected by the 7th respondent, from various persons and he was about to leave India, issued the aforesaid interim order. When the above matter came up for hearing, we were wondering under what circumstances such a direction was issued especially in a matter relating to police protection.

(3.) The learned Government Pleader had placed before us a statement prepared by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Thrikkakara. In the aforesaid statement, it is inter alia stated that the appellant herein was one among the persons who had collected crores of amounts from about 300 persons for providing Visa to foreign countries. Their Passports and other documents are also retained for the purpose of processing the Visa. Further, there were complaints from various quarters and on enquiry it is understood that the appellant is abroad and look out circular demanding apprehension of the appellant is being issued with the permission of higher ups. That apart, since he is evading his presence, on 30-10-2020 steps are initiated to issue 'Blue Corner Notice' against the appellant and the procedure is progressing.