(Per : HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE RAVI R.TRIPATHI) In all these matters, the applicant is the same and the relief prayed for is also common i.e. direction against Passport Authorities directing them to issue passport in favour of the applicant.
Heard learned advocate Mr.P.B.Khandheria for the applicant in all these matters. Learned advocate submitted that except pendency of these criminal appeals before this Court (Acquittal Appeals), there is no other criminal case pending against the present applicant. He, however, submitted that he has instructions to state before this Court that in the event, Passport is issued by the authorities, he will abide by the directions issued by this Court like that of depositing the passport with the concerned Court and an undertaking to any foreign visit only after obtaining prior permission from the concerned Court.
In view of that, Rule returnable on 20th August, 2012. Direct service is permitted.
By way of interim relief, the respondent No.2 herein i.e. Regional Passport Officer is directed to issue Passport to present applicant in accordance with law and after carrying out all necessary verification. It is clarified, only on the ground, that these criminal appeals are pending, the passport authority should not deny the passport to the applicant.
A copy of this order be made available to learned advocate Mr.M.Iqbal A.Shaikh for its onward communication for compliance.
(RAVI R.TRIPATHI, J.) (PARESH UPADHYAY, J.) (ashish) Top