A woman does not need her husband’s permission or signature to get a passport.
The Madras High Court has given a landmark verdict, saying that a woman is not the property of her husband and should not need his approval for personal documents like a passport.
This decision came after a woman’s passport application was rejected because it did not include her husband’s signature. The court found this requirement shocking and said it shows an outdated belief that a wife belongs to her husband.
What Was the Case?
The case was about a married woman who is going through a divorce. She applied for a passport in April 2025, but the passport office refused to process it because her husband had not signed the application.
Even after she told them that a divorce case was ongoing in court, the officials insisted on needing her husband’s signature.
So, the woman filed a case in the Madras High Court against the Ministry of External Affairs, the Passport Office, and the Chennai Police.
What Did the Court Say?
The court made it clear that marriage does not take away a woman’s rights or identity. It said that asking for a husband’s permission shows a male-dominated mindset and goes against women’s freedom in society.
The judges said it was very surprising and unfair to ask for the husband’s approval when the marriage itself was already in trouble. Such a rule is like setting an impossible condition for women.
Court’s Order
The High Court ordered the passport office to process the woman’s application without her husband’s signature. If all her documents are complete, the passport must be issued within four weeks.
Why This Decision Matters
This ruling shows that a person’s marital status cannot limit their personal or constitutional rights.
It is a major relief for women dealing with marital issues or divorce. The decision protects the dignity, freedom, and identity of women.
What the Law Says About Women’s Rights
According to the Passport Act, 1967, and Passport Rules, 2016, a woman does not need her husband’s permission or a marriage certificate to get a passport.
She has the right to use her maiden name after marriage. A passport can only be delayed for reasons listed in Section 6 of the Passport Act, such as threats to national security or criminal cases.
This decision is not just about one woman’s application—it sends a strong message that women do not need a man’s permission to claim their identity and rights.
