Pending criminal cases can’t halt passport renewal, says Bombay HC

The Bombay High Court has observed that pending criminal cases should not become an automatic barrier to passport renewal by underlining that the right to travel and livelihood cannot be curtailed by the procedural hurdles in the cases where summons are not issued, as per reports.

On April 29, 2026, a two-judge bench reportedly said that applicants are forced to seek a No Objection Certificate from criminal courts which causes unnecessary delay and inconvenience even in the cases where summons have not been issued. This burdens the pressure on the judiciary.

Considering these points, the high court reportedly ruled that pending criminal cases cannot automatically refuse passport renewal and issued guidelines to reduce such delays. It also said that possession of a passport and permission to travel abroad are separate issues. 

The High court reportedly examined the provisions of the Passport Act, 1967, noting that refusal to issue a passport is permitted only on specific grounds, including pending criminal proceedings. It also highlights that such restrictions are limited and must be read along with government notifications that provide relief in appropriate cases, cited the reports.