New Delhi, 28 October (H.S.): The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the government’s decision to increase fees for the issuance and renewal of passports, ruling that a hike of approximately 67 per cent after a gap of 14 years cannot be considered unreasonable or excessive.

A bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre delivered the verdict, upholding the government’s decision to revise passport fees.

The petition was filed by an organisation named Pravasi Legal Cell, primarily challenging the Passport (Amendment) Rules, 2026. Counsel for the petitioner particularly objected to the difference in fees prescribed for non-resident Indians (NRIs) and Indian citizens residing in the country.

The petitioner argued that NRIs are required to pay approximately Rs. 5,000 more than Indian residents. It was further contended that the steep increase would impose an unbearable financial burden on economically disadvantaged Indian migrant workers employed as plumbers, mechanics and construction workers in Gulf countries.

During the hearing, the court questioned who would assess the financial circumstances of Indian citizens living abroad and whether a certificate issued by another country could be binding on the Government of India.

The court observed that determining passport fees and assessing the financial circumstances of overseas migrants fall squarely within the government’s policy-making domain. It made clear that courts would not ordinarily interfere with such executive decisions unless the fees were manifestly oppressive or irrational.

In its final observations, the court noted that passport fees had last been revised in 2012. It held that the revision introduced after such a prolonged interval was justified.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar