India, June 16 -- The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant anticipatory bail to a man accused of being a facilitator in the illegal immigration racket commonly referred to as "dunki", observing that such acts not only involve serious offences but also diminish the global value of Indian passports and harm the interests of genuine citizens.

A bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan was hearing a plea filed by Om Parkash, who is facing prosecution under several serious charges, including cheating, criminal conspiracy, trafficking and intimidation.

"This is a very serious offence. Such incidents lower the standing of Indian passports internationally. They also adversely affect genuine people," remarked the bench while dismissing th...