J U D G M E N T

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Petitioner had applied for a passport vide Ext.P1, which is not issued by the 2nd respondent. As per Ext.P2 it is stated that, a public notice is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, not to recognise the Board of Secondary Education Madhya Bharat Gwalior. Petitioner has secured Ext.P3 certificates from the said institution. Therefore, the ECNR status sought for by the petitioner in the passport application was declined. It is in this background, challenging the said order petitioner has filed this writ petition.

2. Respondents 1 and 2 have jointly filed a statement, basically contending that as per Annexure R2(a) dated 03.02.2016, Ministry of External Affairs has interdicted the passport authorities from determining ECNR status, on the basis of the certificate of the Board of Secondary Education Madhya Bharat Gwalior as it is not recognised by the Government of India. It is in this background, the request sought for by the petitioner for ECNR status was declined.

2. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner, learned Assistant Solicitor General of India and perused the documents and pleadings put forth by the respective parties.

3. Taking note o