In re: Challenge to passport fee hike

Timeline

1. 28 Oct 2026News

   Reasonable increase: Delhi HC rejects plea challenging passport fees hike for Indians living abroad

   Hindustan Times

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   The Delhi High Court dismissed a request to cancel the increase in passport application costs for Indians abroad.

   Who:

   The Delhi High Court is the court and the Indians living abroad are the petitioners challenging the fees.

   When:

   Reported on 28 Oct 2026.

   Where:

   Delhi High Court, Delhi.

   Why:

   The court decided that the increase in the cost of getting a passport was reasonable.

   What it means:

   The legal challenge against the higher passport fees is rejected and the current pricing remains in place.

2. 28 Oct 2026News

   Delhi HC dismisses PIL against passport fee hike, says 67% increase in 14 years not unreasonable

   A bench of Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma said the determination of passport fees falls within the government’s policy domain and that judicial intervention is unwarranted unless the charges are found to be unreasonably exorbitant.

   Asian News International

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   The court rejected a legal challenge against an increase in the cost of obtaining a passport.

   Who:

   Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma are judges who heard the case.

   When:

   Reported on 28 Oct 2026.

   Where:

   Delhi High Court, Delhi.

   Why:

   The court decided that setting fees is a government policy matter and the increase is not unreasonable.

   What it means:

   The legal attempt to stop the passport fee hike has ended.