Court seeks reasoned order within one month; raises concern over alleged concealment of criminal records to obtain passports
In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed passport authorities to examine whether passports issued to individuals facing multiple criminal cases should be cancelled. The court has instructed the Regional Passport Officer (RPO) in Chandigarh to pass a “reasoned order” within one month.
Petition by Ludhiana Doctor Raises Serious Allegations
The matter came before the court following a petition filed by a Ludhiana-based doctor, who alleged that his legal rivals managed to obtain valid passports by concealing their involvement in multiple FIRs registered across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
The dispute is rooted in a long-standing 22-year-old property conflict in Ludhiana’s Threeke village.
Allegations of Fraud, Forgery, and Legal Violations
According to the petition, the accused are facing serious charges, including:
- Financial crimes such as forgery, cheating, and impersonation
- Violent offences linked to the prolonged property dispute
- Violations under the Passport Act, 1967
The petitioner claimed that the individuals bypassed mandatory background checks by submitting forged affidavits and false declarations. He also alleged that one of the accused has already fled to Canada, while others may attempt to leave India to evade legal action.
Legal Provisions Under Scanner
The case highlights key provisions of the Passport Act:
- Section 6(2)(f): Restricts issuance of passports to individuals facing pending criminal cases without court permission
- Section 12(1)(b): Prescribes penalties for furnishing false information or suppressing material facts
The petitioner has sought cancellation of the passports and action against both the accused and any officials allegedly involved in facilitating the process.
High Court’s Stand: No Merit Review, But Action Required
While dismissing the petition at the initial stage, the High Court did not delve into the merits of the allegations. However, it imposed a strict timeline on authorities.
“The competent authority must consider the petitioner’s representation dated October 10, 2025, and pass a reasoned order within four weeks, strictly in accordance with the law,” the court observed.
RPO Chandigarh Now Legally Bound to Act
With this directive, the Regional Passport Office in Chandigarh is now obligated to thoroughly examine the claims and determine whether the passports were obtained fraudulently.
The case underscores growing concerns around misuse of official documents and the need for stricter verification processes, especially in cases involving individuals with pending criminal proceedings.
