The Delhi High Court dismissed a public interest litigation that challenged the central government's passport fee increase for overseas citizens. A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre affirmed that the 67% hike, implemented after 14 years, is neither exorbitant nor unreasonable. Pravasi Legal Cell filed the petition claiming discrimination, noting that non-resident Indians pay roughly Rs 11,900 compared to Rs 2,500 charged to resident Indians.
Key points
Consular and passport fee determinations fall strictly within the policy domain of the ce…: Consular and passport fee determinations fall strictly within the policy domain of the central government.
The high court determined that a 67% fee hike enacted after 14 years is neither unreasona…: The high court determined that a 67% fee hike enacted after 14 years is neither unreasonable nor exorbitant.
Legal challenges arguing that higher fees discriminate against non-resident Indians were…: Legal challenges arguing that higher fees discriminate against non-resident Indians were formally dismissed by the bench.
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NEW DELHI:
Delhi high court on Wednesday dismissed a PIL challenging the central govt’s decision to increase passport fees for non-resident Indians (NRIs), observing that a 67% hike after a gap of 14 years is not “unreasonable or exorbitant”. Acting chief justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and justice Sanjay Sharma added that the decision to determine the fees falls within the policy domain of the govt and judicial intervention was not warranted.
Pravasi Legal Cell filed the petition, alleging discrimination against NRIs, who are required to pay around Rs 11,900 for passports, compared to Rs 2,500 for resident Indians.
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