The court mandates timely finalization of proceedings following a show cause notice to ensure due process.

O R D E R

The petitioner challenges the order dated 31.03.2016 issued by the first respondent and also seeks a direction to return the petitioner’s passport.

2. The petitioner was issued a passport, which was subsequently seized by the Immigration Officer on the ground that the petitioner is not an Indian citizen. Thereafter, the first respondent issued the impugned show cause notice alleging that the petitioner had obtained the passport by suppressing her nationality and called upon the petitioner to submit an explanation. According to the petitioner, she appeared before the first respondent and submitted her explanation. However, till date, no final order has been passed by the first respondent.

3. Mr. P.M. Vishnuvarthanan, learned Central Government Standing Counsel appearing for the respondents, on instructions, submitted that the first respondent would pass appropriate orders within a time frame to be fixed by this Court.

4. The said submission is placed on record. Accordingly, the Writ Petition is disposed of with a direction to the first respondent to pass appropriate orders on merits pursuant to the show cause notice dated 31.03.2016 in File No.1300203_POL_MDU within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. In the meanwhile, the petitioner is permitted to submit any further explanation, if any, to the first respondent. No costs.