Traffic – Delhi Court Upholds Right to Foreign Travel While Granting Thailand Visit Permission
Traffic – A Delhi court has reaffirmed that overseas travel is closely linked to the fundamental right to personal liberty, while emphasizing that courts must carefully balance individual freedoms with the interests of justice.
A Delhi court has permitted a woman facing allegations in a money laundering case to travel to Thailand with her children during their summer vacation, observing that the freedom to travel abroad forms an important part of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. The relief was granted after the court found no convincing material to suggest that the accused was likely to evade legal proceedings.
Court Balances Personal Liberty and Legal Process
Vacation Judge Rajesh Malik approved the request filed by Reena Goel, who sought permission to visit Thailand between June 25 and July 2. Goel had been granted bail in December 2025 with a condition requiring prior court approval before leaving India.
While deciding the application, the court observed that every request to travel abroad by an accused person must be examined by balancing the individual’s right to personal liberty against any genuine concerns that the person may avoid facing the legal process.
The court stated that permission should ordinarily be denied only if there is credible evidence indicating a real possibility that the accused may abscond. According to the order, such concerns must be supported either by direct evidence or by facts that reasonably justify such an inference.
No Evidence of Flight Risk, Court Says
During the hearing, the Enforcement Directorate opposed the request. However, the court noted that the investigating agency failed to place any material before it showing that Goel intended to flee the country or avoid trial.
The judge further observed that there was nothing on record to indicate that the accused had made investments abroad or was attempting to establish permanent residence outside India. Merely facing criminal charges, the court said, cannot automatically become a reason to deny permission for foreign travel.
Referring to constitutional principles, the court also highlighted that several judgments delivered by higher courts have consistently recognized that the right to travel abroad falls within the scope of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
Conditions Imposed Before Overseas Visit
While allowing the travel request, the court directed Goel to furnish a fixed deposit receipt worth Rs 10 lakh as security. It also instructed her not to interfere with evidence related to the ongoing investigation and to submit a complete travel itinerary before departure.
The order further made it clear that the accused would not be allowed to extend her stay beyond the approved travel period. Additionally, the court stated that no adjournment in the pending proceedings would be granted solely because of her absence during the approved visit abroad.
The money laundering investigation relates to properties allegedly linked to a group company of Shree Raj Mahal Jewellers. As part of its probe, the Enforcement Directorate had earlier attached several commercial shops located in Delhi’s Karol Bagh market.
Delhi High Court Restrains Use of ‘Godfather’ Whisky Brand
In another legal development, the Delhi High Court has restrained Cartel Bros Pvt Ltd, a company backed by actor Sanjay Dutt, from using the brand name “Godfather” for its whisky until the ongoing trademark dispute is decided.
The case was filed by Devans Modern Breweries, which argued that it has been using the “Godfather” trademark for nearly four decades. The High Court observed that the brand has developed a strong market identity over the years and currently enjoys exclusive recognition among consumers, leading the court to issue an interim restriction on the use of the disputed mark while the lawsuit remains pending.