Bombay HC stays lower court’s nod; Nooriya can’t travel abroad

US national Nooriya Haveliwala, accused of mowing down two persons including a constable in a drunken state, will have to put her travel plans on hold.

On Tuesday, Bombay high court’s vacation judge PD Kode stayed the sessions court’s order which had allowed the beautician to travel abroad for a month. On May 8, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) court allowed her to travel to United States of America and Dubai from May 16 to June 10.
Haveliwala is out on bail.

The state government had approached the high court challenging the sessions court order. Additional public prosecutor Poornima Kantharia told the court that the order was obtained from the sessions court without giving notice to the investigating agency.

Neither was the investigating agency nor was the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) asked to file its reply to Haveliwala’s application to travel abroad. Seeking a stay on her travel plans, the prosecution said there was a possibility of her fleeing the country.

“There is a likelihood of Nooriya absconding and fleeing from the clutches of law and not returning to face trial. There is no extradition treaty between the US and India,” states the government’s appeal.

After Haveliwala was granted bail by the NDPS court, the FRRO and deputy commissioner of police (special branch) in October issued a six-point restriction prohibiting her from leaving the city. The restriction was issued on the apprehension that she may evade trial.