The woman does not need to seek her husband’s permission for passport. The Madras High Court, while giving a historic verdict, said that the wife needs to end the mentality that considers her husband’s property. Actually, the passport application of the woman was rejected because of this because there were no husband’s sign. The court described this demand of the passport office as surprising and said that this thinking still reflects women’s mentality to understand the property of the husband.
What was the matter?
The case is related to a married woman, who is stuck in a divorce case with her husband. The woman applied for passport in April 2025, but the passport office did not increase the application process because it did not have a husband’s sign. When the woman told them that the divorce case is pending in the court, the passport office still said that it is necessary for the husband to have a signature. The woman then filed a petition in the Madras High Court against the Ministry of External Affairs, Passport Office and Chennai Police.
What did Madras High Court say?
The court clearly stated that a woman does not lose her identity and rights even after marriage. The court commented that this system of taking permission of husband for passport reflects male dominated thinking and is against women’s freedom in society.
The court said that it is very shocking that the passport office is demanding husband’s permission and sign, while the relationship between husband and wife is already deteriorating. It is like imposing an impossible condition.
Court order
The court directed the passport office that the passport application of the woman should be processed independently and if all other documents are completed, the passport should be issued to the woman within four weeks.
Effect of decision
This decision has made it clear that someone’s marital status cannot affect his personal and constitutional rights. This decision is especially relieved for women, who are undergoing matrimonial dispute or divorce process. This decision supports the identity, dignity and freedom of the woman.
Woman’s rights in the eyes of law
According to the Passport Act 1967 and Passport Rules 2016, the husband’s approval or marriage certificate is no longer required for passport. A woman can name her maiden even after marriage. This is his valid and constitutional right. Passports can only be prevented for the same reasons which are given in Section 6 of the Passport Act, such as national security, pending criminal cases etc. This decision is not only associated with the passport application of a woman, but it is a strong message for the whole society that the woman does not need a man’s approval for her identity and rights.
Now you will be able to make UPI payment with international number too! IDFC First Bank provided big facility to customers
