C.GANESH NARAYAN Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In this writ petition, the petitioner is challenging the order dtd. 27/2/2024 (Annexure-A), wherein the passport of the petitioner bearing No.Z7548605 dtd. 29/9/2023 was impounded by the respondent No.2; inter alia sought for direction to the respondent No.2 to renew and release the passport of the petitioner bearing No.Z7548605.

(2.) Heard Miss. Krutika Raghavan, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner; Mr. Shanthi Bhushan H., learned Deputy Solicitor General of India appearing for respondents 1 and 2; and Sri. Mahantesh Shettar, learned Additional Government Advocate appearing for the respondent No.3.

(3.) Miss. Krutika Raghavan, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that the action of impounding the passport of the petitioner requires to be interfered in this petition as the competent authority had exceeded its power as per Sec. 10(3)(b) and (e) of the Passports Act, 1967 (for short, hereinafter referred to as 'Passports Act'). Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner further contended that the criminal case in C.C. No.57961 of 2023 is pending consideration before the competent Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Bengaluru City, and the offences alleged against the petitioner are compoundable in nature.