1. The prayer sought for in the present petition is to call for the records relating to the impugned order dated 23.02.2018 made in letter reference No.PYL/306771447/18 passed by the 1st respondent and to quash the same and consequently to direct the 1st respondent to issue the passport to the petitioner forthwith.

2. Since the petitioner was involved in criminal case in Crime No.27 of 2016 dated 22.01.2016 for the offence under Sections 279, 353 and 304(A) IPC, the first respondent herein issued Show Cause Notice dated 22.01.2018 calling for explanation as to why his request for issuance of Passport may not be denied. The said Show Cause Notice is impugned in the present writ petition.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner's son has joined Master Degree Course in U.S.A and successfully completed the same. Since his graduation ceremony is scheduled to be held during the month of May 2018, the petitioner's son had invited him to U.S.A to witness the ceremony. It is in this background, the petitioner had applied for passport.

4. Mr. J. Madanagopal Rao, learned Central Government Standing Counsel appearing for the first respondent submitted that