Move Gauhati HC: Delhi High Court on plea by anti-dam activist Bhanu Tatak against foreign travel restrictions

The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to entertain a plea filed by environmental activist Bhanu Tatak against the government decision to restrain her from travelling abroad.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma heard her petition today and said that the Delhi High Court does not have the territorial jurisdiction to deal with her plea.

Senior Advocate Conlin Gonsalves appeared for her and argued that this act of the Immigration Department to stop Tatak from travelling abroad was against her fundamental rights and violates her freedom.

Standing Counsel Ashish Dixit, appearing for the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Bureau of Immigration, challenged the maintainability of the plea and stated that the petitioner is facing multiple cases in the State of Arunachal Pradesh.

It was also stated that a Look Out Circular (LOC) has been issued against her pursuant to a request made by the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Itanagar.

After considering the case, the Court rejected the plea and asked the petitioner to approach the Arunachal Pradesh Bench of the Gauhati High Court.

Tatak is a law student and activist from Arunachal Pradesh. She has been involved in the anti-dam movements, including the proposed 11,500 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. Once completed, it will be the largest hydropower project in India.

Last week, she was stopped at Delhi airport when she was trying to board a flight to Dublin.