This appeal under the Letters Patent raises an important question as to the interpretation of Article 21 of the Constitution, and the question raised is whether the expression ""personal liberty"" occurring in the said Article includes the right to travel abroad. The second important question that arises is whether the refusal of a passport to the respondent by appellant No. 1 has resulted in the contravention of Articles 21 and 14 of the Constitution.

(2) Facts giving rise to this appeal in brief are: It is not in dispute that the respondent is a citizen of India. According to him, he is a partner of a firm in Bombay which carries on business of Bankers. Exporters and Importers. He is also a partner of a firm doing business at Dubai in Persian Gulf, which carries on the business of Indent Agents and Importers, According to the respondent passports were granted to him during the period from October 1952 to October 1962 to enable him to make trips to Dubai and certain other ports in the Persian Gulf. The passport that had been granted,. expired on 28th October 1962. On 10th January 1963, the respondent applied to the Regional Passport Officer (second appellant before us) fo