CHANDIGARH — The Punjab and Haryana High Court has intervened in a long-standing legal battle, directing the Regional Passport Officer (RPO) in Chandigarh to investigate and pass a reasoned order regarding the potential cancellation of passports issued to individuals facing multiple criminal cases. The directive follows a petition from a Ludhiana-based doctor alleging that his legal rivals secured travel documents by concealing significant criminal backgrounds.
Key Details of the Legal Dispute
The petition, filed by Dr. Sumit Sofat, stems from a 22-year-old conflict over property in Threeke village, Ludhiana. Dr. Sofat alleges a “systemic failure” where “politically influential” individuals managed to bypass mandatory background checks despite having FIRs registered against them in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Allegations of Fraud: The plea claims the accused used forged affidavits and false declarations to obtain their passports.
- Flight Risk: Dr. Sofat informed the court that one accused has already fled to Canada, while others are reportedly making preparations to leave the country to evade ongoing prosecution.
- Criminal Record: The rivals are allegedly involved in multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) across three different states, which should have legally barred them from obtaining passports without court intervention.
The High Court’s Directive
Without ruling on the fraud allegations, the High Court ordered RPO Chandigarh to address the petitioner’s claims via a “reasoned order” within four weeks. The investigation focuses on potential violations of the Passport Act, 1967, regarding pending criminal cases and suppression of information.
