O R D E R

The petitioner is before this Court challenging the show cause notice dated 10.03.2026 issued by the first respondent.

2. By the said notice, the petitioner has been called upon to appear in person and submit relevant documents before the Enquiry Officer at the Passport Office in connection with an adverse report received from the second respondent.

3. The petitioner’s application for issuance of passport has not been processed on the ground that a criminal case has been registered against her in Crime No.297 of 2024.

4. Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record.

5. The refusal to issue or renew a passport is governed by the provisions of the Passports Act, 1967. Under Section 6 of the Act, the Passport Authority is empowered to refuse issuance or renewal of a passport only in the circumstances specifically enumerated therein. One such ground is where proceedings in respect of an offence alleged to have been co