PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has dismissed a criminal revision application filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against a Sessions Court order allowing murder accused Sukhwinder Singh to travel to Thailand and Dubai with his wife.
Singh, the second accused in the murder of BJP leader Sonali Phogat, was permitted to travel abroad from January 30 to February 20. Sessions Judge Irshad Agha allowed the request after Singh said the trip was to celebrate his wedding anniversary and help improve strained relations with his wife.
Refusing to interfere with the order, Justice Valmiki Menezes said the permission granted did not justify the High Court’s revisional powers.
The CBI argued that the Sessions Court had granted permission on extraneous grounds and without proper reasons, especially as arguments on framing of charges were still ongoing. The agency also expressed concern that Singh, who is not a resident of Goa, could flee the country.
Opposing the plea, the defence said the right to travel abroad is part of the fundamental right to personal liberty under Article 21. It was pointed out that Singh had submitted a detailed travel plan, holds a valid Indian passport, and had stated that his minor daughter would remain in India.
The court noted that Singh was granted bail in May 2023 and has followed all bail conditions so far. It also observed that the trial has not yet begun.
Rejecting the CBI’s plea, the High Court directed the agency to release Singh’s passport immediately. The accused has been ordered to strictly follow the travel itinerary and submit copies of his flight tickets to the CBI within 24 hours.
