Gujarat HC Grants 10-Year Passport Renewal to Man Under CBI Investigation

The Gujarat High Court ruled on Wednesday that a man facing a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case may renew his passport for a period of ten years. The bench examined the petitioner’s request, noting that the existing passport had expired and the applicant required a longer validity for personal and professional reasons. While the court acknowledged the ongoing CBI probe, it held that the renewal does not interfere with the investigation or any pending legal proceedings. The order allows the individual to obtain a new passport without imposing any travel restrictions, subject to compliance with standard security checks. No further details about the nature of the CBI case were disclosed in the judgment.

The decision underscores the court’s stance that passport renewal is a civil right that can be exercised unless a specific legal prohibition is imposed. Legal experts say the ruling may set a precedent for similar cases where accused persons seek travel documents while investigations are underway.

The CBI has not commented publicly on the matter, and the petitioner’s identity remains undisclosed in public records.