Topic
A mother, as a single parent, may obtain her child's passport without the father's consent under Passport Rules 1980 §§4(A)(3)(a),4(3), as held by Gujarat HC. It directed the Regional Passport Authority to issue the passport within eight weeks.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has ruled that the mere pendency of criminal proceedings cannot justify denying a 10-year passport renewal under the Passports Act, provided the applicant complies with court-imposed conditions such as seeking prior permission before international travel. This sets a critical precedent for safeguarding the right to mobility under Article 21, even for individuals facing pending charges, as long as judicial safeguards are respected.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled that passport renewal cannot be denied solely based on pending criminal proceedings. Authorities must evaluate applications on merit, ensuring procedural safeguards and enforceable conditions under Article 21. This sets a precedent for balancing individual rights with administrative discretion in passport issuance.