MAHESH KUMAR AGARWAL Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard learned counsel for the parties.

(2.) The issue which has fallen for consideration is whether the rigours applicable to issuance of a passport for the first time apply to renewal of passport after the expiry of the term for which it was initially granted.

(3.) The petitioner was convicted and sentenced to maximum imprisonment of four years under Ss. 120B, 420, 471, 411 and 471 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on April 25, 2022 by a Delhi court. An appeal is pending against the same before the High Court at Delhi. By an order dated September 4, 2023, a Learned Single Judge of the Delhi High Court granted no objection/permission for renewal of the petitioner's passport for a period of ten years upon considering that the order suspending the sentence of the petitioner noted that the petitioner shall not leave the country without the permission of the Court.