India, Oct. 7 -- The fundamental right to travel abroad does not confer an unqualified right on an accused facing criminal proceedings to travel overseas at any time or for any duration, the Delhi high court has said.

A bench of Justice Sachin Datta said such a right where criminal proceedings involving serious charges are pending, must be balanced against the need to ensure the accused's presence and prevent the proceedings from being impeded or delayed. The remarks as part of an order were made on September 30 but released on Tuesday evening.

"The right to travel abroad undoubtedly forms part of the personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. However, the recognition of such right does not imply that an accused f...