IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE V.GIRI WEDNESDAY, THE 8TH JULY 2009 / 17TH ASHADHA 1931 WP(C).No. 18608 of 2009(U) -------------------------- PETITIONER(S): --------------- P.M.CHACKO, 342, PEEDIYAKAL MANTHRAYIL HOUSE, KAVUMBHAGOM P.O., THIRUVALLA. BY ADV. SRI.R.GIREESH VARMA RESPONDENT(S): --------------- CHIEF PASSPORT OFFICER, MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, PATIALA HOUSE, TILAK MARG, NEW DELHI-110001. ADV. SRI.P.PARAMESWARAN NAIR,ASST.SOLICITOR THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 08/07/2009, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: V.GIRI, J ------------------- W.P.(C).18608/2009 -------------------- Dated this the 8th day of July, 2009 JUDGMENT Petitioner, holder of a an Indian passport, is aggrieved by the decision taken by the Regional Passport Officer, to impound his passport on the ground that there is a criminal case pending against him. 2. Challenging the order so passed by the Regional Passport Officer on 6.5.2009, the order having been produced later as Ext.P2, the petitioner has preferred an appeal, Ext.P1, before the respondent herein. One of the grounds taken up in this regard is that the petitioner is not an accused in the case. In the circumstances, it is appropriate that the respondent takes a decision on Ext.P1 as early as possible. 3. I heard learned Standing Counsel for the respondent also. In the result, writ petition is disposed of directing the respondent to pass orders on Ext.P1 within three months W.P.(C).18608/2009 2 from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment, after hearing the petitioner. V.GIRI, Judge mrcs