On April 23, the High Court had directed the customs to hand over Barreto’s passport on a condition that he provides a bank guarantee of Rs 15 lakh. Barrteo was also directed to provide a bond of Rs 10,000 with two persons as surety.
Following the order, Barreto had completed the formalities to the satisfaction of the Sessions Court in Barasat on Saturday. But on Monday the customs authorities refused to hand over his passport, saying that their investigations were not yet complete.
Barreto’s counsel Advocate Jaymalya Bagchi moved a plea in the HC today seeking an order to initiate contempt proceedings against the Calcutta Customs for violating the court’s order.
His counsel pointed out that the High Court in its April 23 order had said that Barreto’s presence in the country was not necessary, as he had admitted to his guilt on the next day after his arrest.