Passport Authorities cannot Impose Penalties : Kerala HC

Citizens Legal Right Association Vs Union of India (Kerala High Court) Passport authorities under the Passports Act, 1967 are not vested with any power under Section 12 of the Act 1967, to impose any fine and it is a matter affecting the public. That apart, imposition of fine so made, which is an undisputed fact, without authority of law is a clear interference with the protection of life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, since it prohibits deprivation of life and personal liberty, except in accordance with the procedure established by law. Thinking...