Mere Filing Of FIR, Ongoing Probe Against Applicant Without Court's Cognizance Not Valid Grounds To Refuse Passport Renewal

The Bombay High Court ruled on the refusal of passport renewal due to pending FIR registration, stating that under the Passports Act, such refusal is permissible if the police verification report indicates criminal proceedings. The court emphasized that passport authorities must provide reasons for refusal and grant an opportunity to be heard. It held that mere pendency of an FIR cannot justify passport denial without verification report highlighting security concerns. The judgment aims to balance individual rights against state interests in public security, affirming the need for procedural fairness in passport issuance decisions.