Priyanka Sood vs Union Of India And Another

Jagmohan Bansal, J

The petitioner through instant petition under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India is seeking direction to respondent No. 1 to re-issue her passport.

Mr. Bhawesh Chaudhary, Advocate inter alia contends that petitioner was issued passport on 22.02.2018 which is valid upto 21.02.2028. She lost her passport and applied for re-issuance in the category of ‘Separated’ because she is not staying with her husband and matrimonial dispute is going on. As per instructions issued by Government of India, she has rightly applied under category ‘Separated’.

Notice of motion.

Mr. Hemant Hans, Central Government Counsel for Union of India and Mr. Aman Dhir, DAG, Punjab, who on advance notice are present in Court, accept notice and waive service.

Mr. Hemant Hans, Advocate submits that petitioner may be directed to file self-declaration to the effect that she is staying separate from her husband. If she files self-declaration, the competent authority would process her application, in accordance with law.

Counsel for the petitioner agrees to the aforesaid arrangement.

In the wake of statement of both sides, the petition stands disposed of with liberty to petitioner to file self-declaration to the effect that she is staying separate from her husband. If she files self-declaration, the passport authority shall process her application, in accordance with law. The needful shall be done within eight weeks from the date of filing of self-declaration by the petitioner.