Delhi HC asks centre to consider challenge to revised passport fees, decide representation in three months
New Delhi, July 22
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Central Government to consider and decide a representation challenging the steep hike in passport fees introduced under the Passports Rules, 2026, preferably within three months.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devender Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Pravasi Legal Cell, after directing the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to examine the petitioner's representation in accordance with law.
The PIL had challenged the constitutional validity of the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, which came into force on July 1, 2026, contending that the revised fee structure is arbitrary, unreasonable and disproportionately burdens millions of Indian citizens, especially Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), migrant workers and economically weaker sections.
The petitioner had sought quashing of the amended Rules on the ground that the enhanced passport fees violate Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. Alternatively, it requested the Court to direct the Centre to consider its representation dated June 27, 2026, seeking reconsideration and rationalisation of the revised fee structure.
Appearing for the petitioner, Advocate Anto Robert argued that passports are an essential statutory document for employment, education and international mobility, and that the substantial increase in fees places an undue financial burden on citizens, particularly overseas Indian workers who also incur additional expenses such as outsourcing agency charges and courier fees.
The petition further alleged that the revised fee structure was introduced without disclosing any cost analysis, financial assessment or objective material justifying the increase. It also stated that despite representations submitted by the Pravasi Legal Cell and its Kerala chapter, no decision had been communicated by the government.
Taking note of the submissions, the High Court did not examine the validity of the amended Rules on the merits. Instead, it directed the Ministry of External Affairs to decide the petitioner's pending representation expeditiously, preferably within three months, and disposed of the PIL.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I think this fee hike is a bit too steep. I understand inflation and all, but for students going abroad for studies or labourers going to Gulf countries, every rupee matters. The government should at least show us the cost breakdown, yaar. Transparency would help! 👩🎓💸
Good that HC has at least asked the MEA to consider the representation. But three months for a decision? That feels like typical government speed. Meanwhile, the common man just has to pay up. Let's see if they actually reduce it or just give some vague justification. 🤷♂️
I'm all for better services but this fee hike without any explanation feels wrong. My cousin had to pay almost ₹5000 extra for a fresh passport this month. And the process is still the same long queue and delays! Government should first improve the system before increasing fees. 😤
For NRIs like me, this is double trouble. Already paying for tickets, accommodation abroad, aur ab passport ka bhi heavy bill. But I appreciate Pravasi Legal Cell for filing this PIL. Hopefully something positive comes out of it. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
Time for the government to remember that a passport is not a luxury—it's a right for every citizen to travel, work, and study. If they want to increase fees, at least make the process faster and more digital. But this arbitrary hike without proper justification is not acceptable. Let's see what happens in 3 months. ⏳
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.