Orange passport row: Kerala HC sends notice to Central Govt

The Kerala High Court has recently issued a notice to the central government on a PIL that challenges its decision of introducing orange passports for people requiring emigration check.

According to a recent statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Indian passport will likely undergo some major changes. This will include introducing orange colour passports, which will be issued to passport holders with ECR (Emigration Check Required) status. However, those with non-ECR status would continue getting blue passport.
Read More: Indian passport to go through major changes as orange passport comes into being

Lawyer Shamsuddeen Karunagappally, in his plea, mentioned that such a move will actually lead to a segregation of people with low economic status and low education. Also, he stressed on the fact that a separate colour code will make them more susceptible to discrimination. He also added that by letting their underprivileged status public, it will lead to an intrusion into their fundamental right to dignity and privacy.
Emigration check is essential for passport holders, whose income does not fall under the taxable limit, are not educated beyond 10th standard, and who seek migration for employment.


The petitioner also raised concern on the decision made by the government to omit the passport’s last page that contains details address details of the passport holder. As per the petitioner, such a move will not achieve any purpose and is going to affect a lot of Indians, who have migrated to other countries in search of employment.

A division bench comprising acting Chief Justice Antony Dominic and Justice Dama Seshadri Naidu sent a notice to the union government after the preliminary hearing.

Must Read: Types of passport every traveller in India should know of!