A Magistrate refused a wife’s request for a Look Out Circular; the High Court has now directed the police to take steps towards one, as an interim measure, with the matter to be heard again after two weeks.
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Bengaluru: Directing the police to take steps to issue a Look Out Circular (LOC) against a husband who is the accused in a dowry and cruelty case registered on his wife’s complaint, the Karnataka High Court has passed an interim direction that is subject to its final order. The allegations are those of the complainant, they are untested, and the Court has expressed no view on the merits. The presumption of innocence applies to the accused. [Mrs. K v. State of Karnataka & Anr.]
The order was passed on 12 October 2026 by a single-judge Bench of Justice Anant Ramanath Hegde, who also directed that it be delivered by hand. The petitioner is identified only as Mrs. K, and the names of the husband and the family members are withheld.
Why the wife came to the High Court
Her application under Section 175(3) read with Section 94 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which sought the same relief, had been rejected by the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate. Before the High Court, the wife contended that the husband is in India only to reissue a lost passport, and that his departure would seriously harm her case and the investigation into the FIR.
Her counsel argued that the Magistrate did not apply his mind, since the order cited the husband’s alleged inability to pay money, a matter unconnected with a request for an LOC. Counsel added that the husband need not be notified before an LOC is issued, and that issuance would remain subject to the applicable guidelines. Justice Hegde asked on what basis the Magistrate had rejected the application. The husband’s side has not been recorded as heard.
The complaint behind the case
On 30 September 2026, the wife complained to the East Division Women Police Station in Bengaluru City. She alleged physical, mental and economic cruelty, and unlawful demands for money that her mother and brother met. She also alleged that the husband kept the gold given at the marriage.
An FIR was registered against the husband and his mother under Sections 85, 352 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. The husband works in France.
Case Details: Mrs. K v. State of Karnataka & Anr., Crl. Petition No. 15637/2026, order dated 12 October 2026; posted after two weeks.
Appearances: For the petitioner, Advocate Angad Kamath.
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Karnataka High Court directs police to take steps to issue a Look Out Circular against a husband accused in a dowry and cruelty case, as an interim measure.