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Judgment
The grievance of the petitioners in these two cases is that the passport authorities concerned are not taking steps to issue/re-issue their passports on the ground of pendency of criminal appeals arising out of their conviction in criminal cases more than five years prior to the dates of their applications for such issue/re-issue.
Both these matters were adjourned to enable Mr. Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, learned counsel appearing for the passport authorities, to get instructions in the matter but he seeks further time today.
As the authorities concerned are yet to apply their mind and pass appropriate orders upon the applications made by the petitioners for issue/re-issue of their passports, it would be appropriate that the said authorities discharge their statutory function in the first instance. The writ petitions are accordingly disposed of directing the respondent passport authorities to pass necessary orders as per law upon the petitioners' applications for issue/re-issue of passports. This exercise shall be completed expeditiously and in any event, not later than one week from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order.
No order as to costs.