ASHOK KHANNA Vs. CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Vide the present application, the applicant/appellant seeks directions to Regional Passport Authorities, Delhi for renewal of the passport, subject to compliance of all other rules.

(2.) The facts of the application are that the applicant is a retired officer from Syndicate Bank, who during the normal course of his duties was part of the disbursal of the credit facilities to M/s Surhit Services Pvt. Ltd. The State Bank of India also granted credit facilities to the said Borrower. After the applicant retired from Syndicate Bank, the said credit facilities were renewed by Syndicate Bank and enhanced in consortium with State Bank of India. However, later the credit facility was classified as NPA due to non- service of the loan installments/interest. During recovery process, the Bank filed a complaint with Central Bureau of Investigation (hereinafter referred to as "CBI") as the same was mandatory. The applicant, amongst other Bank officials, were charged by the CBI after conducting a routine enquiry. The Ld. ASJ, Special Judge CBI, convicted the applicant under Section 13 (1) (d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and handed down sentence of two and a half years and fine of Rs.20,000/-.

(3.) Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner submits that the applicant holds a valid Indian Passport bearing No. H4661781, which is due to expire on 01.06.2019. The applicant frequently travels to meet his daughter, who has been residing in USA for the last 13 years. The applicant holds a valid VISA to USA for 10 years which was obtained for visiting his daughter from time to time. The applicant planned to visit his daughter during the last week of February, 2018 and the passport was due to expire on 01.06.2019. Accordingly, the applicant approached the Regional Passport office for its renewal, as he would not be permitted to travel by USA authorities, if the passport expires within six months. For seeking renewal, the applicant, while following the procedure so laid, sought an appointment for verification of his documents on 05.02.2019, however, the applicant was advised by the official that his application will not be entertained unless specific permission is obtained from this Court.