Today, On 4th April, The Delhi High Court granted NDTV founders Dr. Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy permission to travel to Cape Town, South Africa. The court clarified that the approval comes under the same conditions set during their previous travels. The Roys assured the court of their compliance and submitted their travel plans in advance. Additionally, Dr. Prannoy Roy must appear before the Joint Registrar on April 9 for document verification.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court heard a plea filed by NDTV founders Dr. Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy seeking permission to travel to Cape Town, South Africa. The court granted them permission to travel while ensuring that the conditions set in their previous travel permissions remained applicable.
During the hearing, the judge reaffirmed the importance of adhering to prior conditions, stating,
“This permission is given under the same conditions that were set earlier when you traveled abroad.”
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The lawyer representing the Roys assured the court of their compliance, responding,
“Yes, Your Lordship. They have always followed those conditions.”
The court took into account that Dr. Prannoy Roy had fully complied with all travel conditions in the past. The judge acknowledged this by stating,
“The Court notes that Mr. Roy followed all earlier travel conditions. It’s also clear that he has cooperated with the investigating agency and was available whenever they needed him.”
This statement reinforced the court’s confidence in granting the petitioners permission to travel.
The lawyer further clarified that the Roys had submitted their travel plans in advance for transparency, saying,
“We have also submitted their travel plans, Your Lordship.”
This ensured that the court was aware of their intended itinerary and movements while abroad.
As part of the procedural requirements, the judge directed Dr. Prannoy Roy to appear before the Joint Registrar on April 9 for document verification before traveling.
The judge instructed,
“Mr. Roy must appear before the Joint Registrar on April 9 to get his documents verified,”
The lawyer acknowledged this requirement and confirmed their compliance, replying,
“Indeed, Your Lordship.”
The hearing highlights the legal diligence required for individuals under investigation to seek travel permissions. The court’s decision to allow the Roys’ travel reflects their consistent adherence to legal conditions and their cooperation with investigative agencies.
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This ruling highlights the balance courts maintain between ensuring due process and respecting the rights of individuals to travel when there is no evidence of non-compliance.
With the Delhi High Court’s approval, the NDTV founders can proceed with their planned trip to Cape Town, adhering to the conditions set by the court. The upcoming verification process on April 9 will be a crucial step in ensuring full legal compliance before their departure.