Right to Travel Abroad Falls Under Personal Liberty, Says Rajasthan High Court

The Rajasthan High Court ruled that the right to travel abroad is part of ‘personal liberty’ under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court allowed an accused in a PMLA case to visit Dubai and Singapore for business. Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand referred to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Maneka Gandhi v Union of India (1978), which held that personal liberty includes the right to go abroad. The petitioner, facing charges under Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, was earlier denied travel permission by the trial court. He approached the High Court, which quashed the lower court’s order. The Enforcement Directorate opposed the plea, citing his previous attempt to evade arrest. However, the High Court noted the business meeting documents and imposed strict conditions. The petitioner must return by January 20, 2023, submit a ₹25 lakh bank guarantee, and appear in court upon return. He can only visit Dubai and Singapore, must carry an active mobile phone, and stay reachable via WhatsApp. The ruling highlights that courts can balance the right to travel with ensuring presence during trial.