The court mandates a timely resolution of appeals with due process in passport impoundment cases.

J U D G M E N T

The petitioner challenges Ext.P4 order passed by the third respondent impounding his passport, allegedly without notice to him.

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that, consequent to a warrant issued by the Magistrate, the Passport was impounded without notice to him. The petitioner has pending the writ petition, preferred an appeal before the Chief Passport Officer, Ministry of External Affairs, Tilak Marg, New Delhi.

3. The learned DSGI appearing for the respondents submits that the appeal has been received and orders shall be passed on the appeal, within three weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. This is recorded.

4. Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of, directing the Appellate authority to pass orders on the appeal, with notice to the petitioner and in accordance with law, within one month from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. The Appellate authority may permit the petitioner to appear online for the hearing, as he is stated to be abroad. All the contentions of the petitioner are left open.

SD/-