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Madras High Court rules that a mother with legal custody of a minor can obtain passport re-issuance without the non-custodial father’s consent, reinforcing the welfare principle under the Guardians and Wards Act. The decision clarifies that procedural requirements must yield to the child’s best interests, especially where no court order restricts travel.
The Karnataka High Court ruled that a custodial parent may renew a minor's passport without the non-responsive parent's consent when denial would block the child's participation in an international sporting event. The judgment affirms that procedural rigidity must yield to the child's welfare under Article 21, setting a precedent for minors in competitive sports facing bureaucratic delays due to absent or uncooperative parents.
Telangana High Court holds that passport denial solely due to pending criminal proceedings is illegal unless applicant obtains a No Objection Certificate from the trial court.
Kerala High Court holds that pending criminal proceedings do not automatically disqualify an applicant from receiving a standard Police Clearance Certificate.