JUDGMENT

Dated this the 2nd day of February 2021 By this writ petition, the petitioner is praying for quashing the order at Ext.P4 letter dated 14.12.2020 issued by the Regional Passport Office, Kozhikode, thereby impounding the passport of his son in exercise of powers under Section 10(3)(h) of the Passport Act, 1967.

2. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that reasonable opportunity of hearing was not granted to the petitioner, prior to passing the impugned order at Ext.P4. It is further argued that the order impounding the passport is signed for and on behalf of the Regional Passport Officer, Kozhikode and therefore, it is not legally sustainable. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner further submitted that it is settled law that reasonable opportunity of hearing needs to be granted while impounding the passport and the passport cannot be impounded without assigning any reason, in an arbitrary manner.

3. Learned Assistant Solicitor General of India appearing for the respondents opposed the contentions of the petitioner and justified the action of impounding of the passport by contending that Non Bailable Warrant has been issued against petitioner's son an