HC directs passport office to consider Maudhany's application

Kochi, Sep 20 (UNI) The Kerala High Court today directed the passport authorities to consider the application of People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Abdul Nazar Maudhany, against whom several criminal cases are pending.

Justice Antony Dominique, while hearing a petition filed by Mr Maudhany, observed that if the petitioner produced orders of the 23 cases pending in various courts, the authorities concerned should take note of it and consider the application.

Mr Maudhany moved the petition seeking the issuance of passport by the authorities concerned to participate in the Holy Quran Award in Dubai and for a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. However, the application was referred to the City Police Commissioner.

The passport authorities had filed a statement before the court that passport could not be issued to a person who had criminal cases against him.

However, the court observed that the passport authorities need not take note of the report of the City Police Commissioner as the state had no objection in issuing the passport to Mr Maudhany.

UNI