JUDGMENT

Prathiba M. Singh, J. (Oral)

1. This hearing has been done through hybrid mode.

2. The Petitioner - Mr. Voola Joshua Paul has approached this court seeking re-issuance of his passport for a period of ten years from the date of issuance. The grievance of the Petitioner is that the Passport Office has been renewing the passport only for a period of one year, contrary to the Rules.

3. The ld. Counsel for the Petitioner submits that the Trial Court, having issued an order directing the Passport Authorities in terms of the Rules, the Passport is liable to be issued for a period of ten years in terms of Rule 12 of the Passport Rules, 1980.

4. Ms. Nidhi Raman, ld. CGSC appearing for the passport authorities submits that in terms of the previous settled legal position as also the recent orders passed by this court in WP(C) 15664/2022 titled 'Kunal Minda v. Union of India & Anr.' and other connected matters, if the Trial Court gives a specific order mentioning the period for which the passport is to be issued, the same shall be adhered to by the passport authorities.

5. Heard. Admittedly, an FIR was lodged against the Petitioner being FIR No.0285/2020 dated 30th November, 2020