The Bombay High Court has said that a pending criminal case, on its own, is not enough to refuse renewal of a passport. In its order of April 29, 2026, the court noted that, except where serious offences are involved, passports can generally be renewed for the usual ten-year period even if such cases are still ongoing.
A bench of justices Ajey Gadkari and RR Bhonsale also took note of the “unnecessary delay and inconvenience” caused when applicants are required to obtain a No Objection Certificate from criminal courts, even where summons have not been issued or cognisance has not been taken. The judges observed that this practice adds to delays and places an avoidable burden on the judiciary.