Courts Can't Order Accused To Deposit Passport On "Unfounded Apprehensions" That He May Flee, Violates Fundamental Rights: AP High Court

The Andhra Pradesh High Court recently ruled on the impounding of passports and its implications for freedom of movement under Article 19 of the Constitution. The case involved a challenge to a decision by the authorities to impound a passport as a condition for granting bail. The petitioner argued this violated their fundamental right to freedom of movement. The court held that while restrictions on movement are permissible under the Constitution, they must be reasonable and proportionate. Impounding a passport as a condition for bail must align with constitutional safeguards and cannot be arbitrary. The ruling emphasizes that while the state has the authority to impose restrictions, these must respect individual rights and adhere to legal standards.