'Anyone Can Be Prevented From Traveling Abroad in Special Circumstances'

The Appellate Division ruled that anyone under special circumstances and in accordance with the law could be barred from traveling. However, it is unconstitutional to restrict the freedom of movement of anyone without law and order.

The Appellate Division, headed by the Chief Justice, made the observation on Wednesday (December 1) in the full verdict of the ACC's decision to ban the accused or suspect in a corruption case from going abroad. The 18-page verdict was released on Wednesday.

The Appellate Division ruled that the main purpose of the liberties granted in Article 36 was to maintain social balance. Therefore, if there are specific allegations of criminal offenses, passports can be confiscated and travel abroad can be prevented. Even then, if someone tries to travel abroad in violation of the law, the court must be informed within three working days after preventing him/her. However, if someone is named in a criminal case, his\her travel abroad cannot be barred.

Earlier on September 27, the Appellate Division had disposed of the ACC's application on the travel ban of a person accused or suspected in a corruption case until a specific rule or law was enacted.

An appellate bench headed by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain amended the order of the High Court.