IN THE HIGH COURT OF GUJARAT AT AHMEDABAD CRIMINAL MISC.APPLICATION (DIRECTION) NO. 1 of 2026 In R/CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 1877 of 2019 ==========================================================

KETANKUMAR KANAIYALAL PATEL Versus STATE OF GUJARAT ==========================================================

Appearance:

MR P P MAJMUDAR(5284) for the PETITIONER(s) No. 1 MS ASMITA PATEL, APP for the RESPONDENT(s) No. 1 ========================================================== CORAM:HONOURABLE MS. JUSTICE SANGEETA K. VISHEN and HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE D. M. VYAS Date : 10/03/2026

IA ORDER

(PER : HONOURABLE MS. JUSTICE SANGEETA K. VISHEN)

Mr Panthil P. Majmudar, learned advocate for the applicant has tendered a draft amendment. Amendment is allowed in terms of the draft. Same shall be carried out forthwith.

2. Issue rule, returnable forthwith. Ms Asmita Patel, learned Additional Public Prosecutor waives service of notice of rule on behalf of the respondent.

3. Captioned application is filed with a request to direct the concerned Sessions Court, Ahmedabad to release the passport of the applicant which was deposited with the Court pursuant to the order dated 23.09.2019 passed by this Court.

4. Mr Panthil P. Majmudar, learned advocate submitted that the applicant, together with his business colleagues, is desirous of travelling abroad, i.e. Thailand for the period from 21.03.2026 to

27.03.2026. To substantiate it, the applicant has placed on record the photocopies of the air-tickets. It is submitted that previously, order was passed, as a result whereof, the passport was deposited with the Sessions Court concerned. Subsequent thereto, this Court was kind enough to allow the release of the passport either for the purpose of renewal or for travelling abroad. Even at one point of time, the applicant was permitted to travel USA to meet his daughter, that was for a substantial period. Hence, the applicant has all throughout adhered to the terms and conditions imposed by this Court and honoured the permission. It is urged that the applicant shall return back on 27.03.2026/28.03.2026 and for that limited purpose, the passport may be released.

5. Ms Asmita Patel, learned Additional Public Prosecutor for the respondent submitted that as the relief sought for is limited and for a brief period, appropriate order may be passed.

6. Heard the learned advocates appearing for the respective parties and perused the documents placed on record.

7. Discernibly, on 23.09.2019, this Court while admitting the Criminal Appeal, has directed the applicant to deposit the passport. Subsequent thereto, the passport was released for its renewal. Even thereafter, the passport was directed to be released for a period of six months, facilitating the applicant to travel abroad. This time, the request is on the premise that the applicant is desirous of travelling Thailand with his business colleagues for the period from

21.03.2026 to 27.03.2026.

8. In view of the above facts, this Court deems it appropriate to allow the captioned application and direct the Sessions Court concerned to release the passport of the applicant. The applicant, within two days of his return, shall deposit the passport with the Sessions Court concerned.

9. Captioned application succeeds and is accordingly, allowed.

Rule is made absolute. No order as to costs.

10. Direct service is permitted.

(SANGEETA K. VISHEN,J)

(D. M. VYAS, J)

BINOY B PILLAI