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Judgment
K.R. Mohapatra, J
This matter is taken up through hybrid mode.
This matter was not there in today’s cause list. On being mentioned by Ms. Jesthi, learned counsel for the Petitioners and taking into consideration the urgency in the matter, the same is taken up by a Special Notice.
Mr. Parhi, learned DSGI submits that due to technical failure, the application of Petitioner No.1 (minor child) for renewal of her passport could not be considered as yet.
It is, however, submitted by Mr. Pattanaik, learned counsel for the Petitioners that the interview for stamping of VISA of the Petitioner No.1 has been scheduled to 2nd May, 2024. Hence, passport of the Petitioner No.1 should be renewed immediately. It is further submitted that the Petitioner No.1 had applied for renewal of her passport under the Tatkal Scheme on 22nd April, 2024 and the date of appointment was given to her by the Regional Passport Office on 23rd April, 2024. But, the authority insisted upon the custody order of the minor child.
It is his submission that the custody order of the minor child of a single parent is not required in view of the provision under Section IV of Passport Rules, 1980 (for brevity ‘the Rules’), more particularly, clause (C), which deals with out of turn issue of passport under the Tatkal Scheme. Sub-Clause (b) of Clause (C) deals with issuance of passport to a person below 18 years. The single parent is only required to submit the declaration under Annexure ‘C’ as specified in the said Rules. Nowhere the custody order of the child is required to be filed.
Mr. Parhi, learned DSGI, however, submits that he has no instruction in the matter.
In view of the urgency in the matter and keeping in mind that the date of stamping of VISA of Petitioner No.1 is scheduled to 2nd May, 2024, Mr. Parhi, learned DSGI shall take instruction by tomorrow, i.e., 26th April, 2024.
Put up this matter on 26th April, 2024 under the heading “Fresh Admission”.
Instruction, if any, shall be obtained in the meantime.
As requested, a copy of this order may be made over to Mr. Parhi, learned DSGI for communication and compliance.
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