Summary: Sharad Vishnu Khatu, a 76-year-old, faced obstacles renewing his passport due to a mistaken criminal record. The court stepped in to clear the way for his travel to Dubai.
Sharad Vishnu Khatu tried to renew his expired passport, but ran into trouble. The passport office flagged an old criminal case from 1990, claiming it was still unresolved. This case was supposedly at the Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Marg Police Station in Mumbai.
Sharad did his research. He checked with the police and the court, but both confirmed no case was pending. Even a request for information on September 20, 2024, came back clear. Despite this, the passport office closed his renewal application.
Frustrated, Sharad filed a request in the Bombay High Court. His lawyer, Mr. Vaibhav Kadam, argued there was no reason to deny the passport. The court, led by Judges M.S. Sonak and Advait M. Sethna, listened to the case.
On October 10, 2025, the court asked for clarification. Mr. Vishal Thadhani, representing the government, confirmed in writing that no case was pending. The police also promised to fix the incorrect online record.
The court instructed the passport office to process Sharad's application without needing more police letters. They emphasized the right to travel as essential, urging no unnecessary delays.
"The right to travel abroad is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India."
With the court's support, Sharad can now apply for his passport again. The authorities are expected to act quickly, allowing him to visit his son and grandchildren in Dubai soon.
The judges appreciated the cooperation from both Mr. Thadhani and Mr. Singh in resolving the matter efficiently.
