The court observed that when procedural safeguards are converted into rigid barriers, the balance between power of the State and dignity of the individual is disturbed, and the promise of the Constitution is put at risk.
The Supreme Court has directed the passport authority to re-issue the passport to an Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) accused, who was denied renewal owing to pending criminal cases.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Augustine George Masih observed that the freedom of a citizen to move, travel, pursue livelihood and opportunity, subject to law, is an essential part of the guarantee under Article 21 of the Constitution.
About the Author
