Decoded: What is a lookout notice issued to suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma?

New Delhi: Suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma was on Saturday issued a lookout notice by Kolkata Police after she failed to appear before it. She was summoned by the officers of Amherst Street and Narkeldanga police station four times to appear before it in connection with FIRs over her controversial remark on Prophet Mohammed.

The two police stations summoned Sharma two times each before issuing the lookout notice.

According to the media reports, the spokesperson decided not to visit the state, citing apprehensions of a possible assault on her.

Considering the relevance of the lookout notice, we have decided to explain What is lookout notice and when it is issued by authorities in India?

The main purpose of issuing the lookout notice is to make sure that an individual who is wanted or absconded by law enforcement agencies could not leave the country. It is often used at immigration checkpoints situated at international airports and seaports by the immigration branch.

However, the police can issue it in certain case after a court’s permission to restrict a person’s movement outside the country who is a suspect or have not joined the investigation despite issuing multiple summonses.

Notably, the notice can be challenged in a court to get relief.