CHIEF JUSTICE & T.S. SIVAGNANAM, J.

1. Since the issues involved in all these writ petitions are identical, they were heard together and disposed of by this common order. Though varied prayers have been sought for in these writ petitions, all the petitioners seek to forbear the respondents from in any manner preventing them from submitting fresh passport applications and other applications for miscellaneous services through online for and on behalf of the passport applicants and from visiting the Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) along with the applicants for the purpose of assisting them.

2. The petitioner in W.P.No.21715 of 2011 is an Association whose members are stated to be travel agents. The other writ petitions have been filed by individual travel agents.

3. According to the petitioners, travel agents were recognized by the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi and the Regional Passport Office. The Ministry of External Affairs, by a Circular, dated 24.7.1992, withdrew the system of recognizing travel agents. However, the travel agents were free to deposit passport application forms at the Regional Passport Offices like any other individual. The said Circular was c