Petitioner is the holder of Indian passport bearing No.H9116477. There was a criminal case against the petitioner and look out notice was issued by the Government. Passport authorities proceeded to impound the passport of the petitioner on account of suppression of material facts. The matter now stands, criminal case against the petitioner has been quashed by Ext.P3 order based on a settlement between petitioner and the victim. Petitioner's passport has been impounded at the emigration counter of the passport. Petitioner paid the penalty. Petitioner seeks release of the passport on the ground that he has paid the penalty.
2. A statement has been filed on behalf of the respondent.
It is stated that petitioner's passport has been seized from the Calicut International Airport and forwarded to the office of the respondent. The impounded passport will be released, cancelled and returned to the petitioner advising him to apply for fresh passport. It is further submitted that fresh police verification will be conducted along with the court order and in view of the court W.P(C).No.31325 of 2014M 2 order, passport shall be issued to him.
3. Petitioner paid the penalty, that means petitioner accepted the proceedings against him impounding the passport. Therefore, returning of impounded passport does not arise. Petitioner has to apply for fresh passport. Petitioner submits that he has visa to go back to Muscat and his time to join the employment is already expired.
4. Considering the above facts, fresh passport shall be issued to the petitioner within a period of ten days from the date of moving such an application. The impounded passport shall be released to the petitioner after cancelling the same.
The Writ Petition is disposed of as above.
Sd/-
A.MUHAMED MUSTAQUE, JUDGE.
Sbna/01/12/14