Delay in issuing passport to NC MLA: HC asks GoI, JK Admin to file response in 3 weeks

Srinagar: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has issued notice to the Government of India and the Jammu & Kashmir administration on a writ petition filed by ruling National Conference (NC) lawmaker Hilal Akbar Lone, challenging the delay in the issuance of his passport.

A Bench of Justice Rahul Bharti heard the petition wherein the legislator approached the court aggrieved of the administrative inaction and prolonged delay in issuing the travel document despite having completed the requisite application process.

Hilal Akbar Lone, who represents the Sonawari assembly constituency of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district and is the son of former Parliamentarian and veteran NC leader Mohammad Akbar Lone, submitted through his counsel that his application for a passport has been kept pending without justification. Taking up the petition, the Court issued formal notice to the respondents.

“The petitioner is aggrieved of delay in issuance of the passport in his favour despite having applied for it. Notice. Response to the writ petition be filed within a period of three weeks,” the Bench directed.

Notice on behalf of the Union of India and the Regional Passport Office (respondents 1 and 2) was accepted by Advocate Shagufta Maqbool, appearing vice Deputy Solicitor General of India (DSGI) T. M. Shamsi. Notice on behalf of the UT administration (respondents 3 and 4) was waived by Assisting Counsel Rahila Khan, appearing vice Senior Additional Advocate General Mohsin Qadri.

The High Court granted three weeks to the respondents to file their respective counter-affidavits and listed the matter for further consideration on September 15, 2026.
Advocate Shuja Ul Haq appeared on behalf of the petitioner.