NIRAJ AMIDHAR SURTI Vs. REGIONAL PASSPORT OFFICE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Rule returnable forthwith. Mr. Kshitij Amin, learned Standing Counsel waives service of notice of rule on behalf of respondents.

(2.) The prayer in the petition is that direction be issued to the respondents to renew the passport of the petitioner bearing no. A8808695 for a period of ten years.

(3.) It is the case of the petitioner that he is the co- accused in the M.Case No. 03 of 2022 registered with Gandevi Police Station, Gandevi for the offences punishable under Ss. 406,420 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. FIR being I-C.R. No. 274 of 2002 was registered with Varachha Police Station, Surat for the offences punishable under Ss. 406, 409, 420, 465, 467, 468, 471 and 114 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, wherein the petitioner is a co-accused. One more FIR being I-CR No. 274 of 2002 was registered with Umra Police Station, Surat, for the offences under Ss. . 465, 467, 468, 471, 420, 114 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code. One more FIR being I-CR No. 64 of 2002 was registered with Udhna Police Station, Surat, for the offences punishable under Ss. . 406, 409, 420, 421, 422 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and that FIR being I-CR No. 119 of 2002 was registered with Valsad City Police Station for the offences punishable under Sec. 406, 409, 420, 421, 422, 423, 467, 120-B and 34 of the IPC, 1860. It is his case that in view of the pending criminal proceedings, the petitioner is facing hardship as he is required to travel abroad for business as well as leisure purposes and the authorities are not renewing the passport for a longer period.