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  • Passport Cancellation Procedure Due to Accused Status and Warrant Issuance:
  • The proper process involves filing a separate petition or application before the passport authority, especially when criminal proceedings or warrants are involved. If a court has issued a warrant or an order prohibiting departure, the passport authority can act accordingly. For instance, courts may direct the cancellation or impoundment of a passport if an accused is involved in a criminal case ["2012 0 Supreme(Ker) 575"], ["2024 0 Supreme(Raj) 1611"].
  • When an accused individual has a non-bailable warrant or court order for arrest or prohibition from leaving India, passport authorities are obliged to act on such orders. They can impound or cancel the passport if notified of such court directives ["2023 0 Supreme(Telangana) 715"], ["2023 Supreme(Online)(KER) 33011"].
  • In cases where a warrant has been issued, the passport can be canceled or impounded either upon court order or if the accused is involved in criminal proceedings, especially if the court has directed the passport authority to do so ["2025 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 75951"], ["

    YOGESH @ BHURIYA HARIKISHAN PATEL Vs STATE OF GUJARAT - Gujarat

    "].
  • If the accused has not appeared in court despite a warrant, authorities may cancel or suspend the passport to prevent travel outside India, as per legal provisions and court directions ["

    YOGESH @ BHURIYA HARIKISHAN PATEL Vs STATE OF GUJARAT - Gujarat

    "], ["

    Court on its own Motion vs P.C. Chourey - Delhi

    "].
  • The process also includes issuing show cause notices to the accused, allowing them to respond before any cancellation or suspension of passport ["2022 0 Supreme(Kar) 438"].

  • Legal Basis and Court Involvement:

  • Courts have the authority to direct passport impoundment or cancellation when an accused is involved in a criminal case, especially if a warrant or prohibition order is issued. They may also order the passport to be surrendered or impounded as part of bail conditions or during trial proceedings ["2012 0 Supreme(Ker) 575"], ["2023 Supreme(Online)(KER) 33011"].
  • The passport authority's role is to act on court orders or directives from judicial authorities. If a warrant or court order is issued, authorities are expected to suspend or cancel the passport accordingly, often after issuing a show cause notice to the individual ["1962 Supreme(Online)(Gau) 2"].

  • Additional Insights:

  • The cancellation process must follow due legal procedures, including providing the accused an opportunity to show cause, and must be based on clear court or police directives ["2022 0 Supreme(Kar) 438"], ["2023 Supreme(Online)(KER) 33011"].
  • In cases where the accused is involved in criminal proceedings but has not yet been convicted, courts may still direct passport impoundment to prevent flight, but the law presumes innocence until proven guilty ["1962 Supreme(Online)(Gau) 2"].
  • The authorities cannot cancel passports arbitrarily; they must act based on judicial orders or specific legal provisions relating to criminal proceedings and warrants ["1962 Supreme(Online)(Gau) 2"].

Summary:To file for passport cancellation against a party who is an accused with an issued warrant, the process involves obtaining a court order or warrant, issuing a show cause notice to the accused, and then acting on the judicial directives to suspend or cancel the passport. Authorities are required to follow due process, ensuring the individual’s opportunity to respond, and must act within the scope of legal provisions and judicial instructions ["1962 Supreme(Online)(Gau) 2"] ["2022 0 Supreme(Kar) 438"] ["2023 Supreme(Online)(KER) 33011"].

Challenging Passport Cancellation and Impoundment for Accused Persons with Active Warrants

Passport Cancellation for Accused with Warrant Issued: A Complete Guide

In today's interconnected world, travel documents like passports are crucial for personal and professional mobility. But what happens when someone is accused in a criminal case and a warrant is issued against them? Can the opposing party push for passport cancellation? This is a common query in legal circles, especially in India where criminal proceedings often intersect with administrative actions on passports.

If you're wondering how to file for passport cancellation by the opposing party due to the accused having a warrant issued against him, this post breaks it down. We'll explore the legal framework, procedures, court insights, and practical considerations. Note: This is general information based on legal principles and case references; consult a qualified lawyer for advice specific to your situation.

What is Passport Cancellation and When Does It Apply?

Passport cancellation is primarily an administrative action handled by the Passport Issuing Authority, such as the Regional Passport Office under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). It's governed by the Passports Act, 1967, particularly Sections 6(2)(f) and 10, which allow impounding or revoking passports on grounds like criminal proceedings, pending cases, or risk of fleeing justice.

Unlike arrest or custody, which fall under criminal procedure laws like the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) or Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), passport cancellation isn't a direct judicial step in trials. The provided legal documents emphasize that passport cancellation is an administrative action, not a criminal procedural step 2024 5 Supreme 30. It's typically initiated based on inputs from police, courts, or investigating agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Key grounds for cancellation include:- Non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued against the holder.- Accusations in serious crimes where flight risk is evident.- Court orders directing surrender of passport.

How Does the Opposing Party Initiate Passport Cancellation?

The opposing party (complainant or prosecution) cannot directly file for cancellation like a court petition. Instead, they can:1. Inform the Passport Authority: Submit a representation to the Regional Passport Office (RPO) with details of the case, FIR, warrant copy, and reasons for cancellation. Reference Section 10(3) of the Passports Act, which mandates a hearing opportunity.2. Approach the Court: During proceedings, request the trial court to issue directions for passport impoundment or surrender. Courts often include this as a bail condition.3. Via Investigating Agency: If police or ED are involved, they can forward lookout circulars (LOCs) or requests to MEA for administrative action.

Procedures are not explicitly detailed in criminal codes but follow administrative rules. Authorities must provide a show-cause notice and reasoned order, upholding due process under Article 21 of the Constitution 2025 0 Supreme(Telangana) 1790. Mere pendency of a case doesn't automatically bar passport services; the mere pendency of criminal proceedings cannot bar passport renewal 2025 0 Supreme(Telangana) 1790.

Role of Warrants and Criminal Accusations

When a non-bailable warrant (NBW) is issued, it signals the accused's non-appearance, heightening flight risk concerns. Documents note: the trial court simultaneously issued a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) against the petitioner 2025 0 Supreme(Telangana) 1790. This can trigger passport alerts, but cancellation requires separate action.

Under PMLA, post-cognizance of a complaint under Section 44(1)(b), ED cannot arrest under Section 19, but administrative steps like passport curbs remain possible 2024 5 Supreme 30. Warrants secure presence via summons first, escalating only if ignored 2024 5 Supreme 30.

Insights from Court Rulings on Passports in Criminal Cases

Indian courts balance the right to travel (part of Article 21) with public interest. Key precedents:

  • Renewal Despite Pending Cases: In a case where a petitioner faced criminal allegations from a matrimonial dispute, the court ruled that mere pendency of criminal cases cannot infringe upon this right, provided due process is followed. The delay in renewal was deemed arbitrary, directing issuance for one year 2025 0 Supreme(Telangana) 1790.

  • Police Clearance Certificates (PCC): Even with pending cases under IPC Sections 120B, 465, etc., courts have directed PCC issuance with disclosures. A Police Clearance Certificate can be issued even when criminal proceedings are pending, as long as there are proper disclosures regarding the case 2023 Supreme(Online)(KER) 7261. Prior court permission for travel supported this.

  • Bail and Passport Surrender: Courts frequently impose passport surrender as a condition. For instance, in drug-related bail grants: surrender passport, if any, to the Trial Court within a week. If accused does not possess passport, shall file an Affidavit to that effect 2025 Supreme(GUJ) 323 2025 Supreme(GUJ) 391 2025 Supreme(GUJ) 536 2025 Supreme(GUJ) 138. This ensures presence without full cancellation.

  • Custody and Warrants: Post-NBW execution leading to custody, courts direct passport deposit: his passport before the Court below, if not already seized by the police

    Mr. Mohd Aslam vs The State of Telanagana

    .

These rulings show courts prefer conditional measures over outright cancellation unless justified.

Bail Conditions and Passport Implications

In bail applications under CrPC Section 439 or BNSS Section 483, judges assess flight risk, evidence tampering, and prima facie case. Common conditions include:- Surrendering passport within a week.- Not leaving India/jurisdiction without permission.- Monthly police reporting.

Examples:- Drug offence bail: Granted due to insufficient evidence linking applicant, with passport surrender 2025 Supreme(GUJ) 323.- Forgery and liquor transport: Bail with conditions emphasizing no tampering 2025 Supreme(GUJ) 391.- POCSO-like case (amicable settlement): Bail despite serious charges, with passport surrender 2025 Supreme(GUJ) 536.- Corruption case: Bail post-investigation, unlikely to flee 2025 Supreme(GUJ) 538.

Breach allows warrant recall; courts can modify conditions 2025 Supreme(GUJ) 323.

Practical Steps and Recommendations

For the opposing party:- Gather FIR, warrant, and case status copies.- File representation to RPO/Police/ Court.- Seek LOC if high flight risk.

For the accused:- Respond to show-cause notices promptly.- Seek court intervention for renewal/bail without surrender.- Disclose cases for PCC/renewal.

Always follow due process to avoid Article 21 violations.

Key Takeaways

  • Passport cancellation is administrative, separate from CrPC/PMLA arrests 2024 5 Supreme 30.
  • Warrants heighten risk but require reasoned orders for action 2025 0 Supreme(Telangana) 1790.
  • Courts often direct surrender via bail, not permanent cancellation.
  • Right to travel persists unless due process proves otherwise.

Conclusion

Navigating passport cancellation amid criminal accusations and warrants demands understanding both administrative and judicial layers. While opposing parties can advocate through representations or courts, safeguards ensure fairness. As courts reiterate, due process must be observed in passport renewal applications 2025 0 Supreme(Telangana) 1790. Stay informed, act swiftly, and prioritize legal counsel.

Disclaimer: This post provides general insights from referenced documents and is not legal advice. Laws evolve; verify with professionals.

References:- 2024 5 Supreme 30- 2025 0 Supreme(Telangana) 1790- 2023 Supreme(Online)(KER) 7261-

Mr. Mohd Aslam vs The State of Telanagana

- 2025 Supreme(GUJ) 323, 2025 Supreme(GUJ) 391, 2025 Supreme(GUJ) 536, 2025 Supreme(GUJ) 538, 2025 Supreme(GUJ) 138 #PassportCancellation #CriminalCaseIndia #LegalRights
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