Definitions
Section 2 of the Passports Act, 1967 deals with definitions. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-- (a) "departure", with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions, means departure from India by water, land or air; The Act came into force on 24 Jun 1967.
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,--
(a) "departure", with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions, means departure from India by water, land or air;
(b) "passport" means a passport issued or deemed to have been issued under this Act;
(c) "passport authority" means an officer or authority empowered under rules made under this Act to issue passports or travel documents and includes the Central Government;
(d) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act;
(e) "travel document" means a travel document issued or deemed to have been issued under this Act.
Section 2, The Passports Act, 1967 (Act 15 of 1967).
Related judgements & precedents
These are some judgments that construed this section, and hold precedence value. They hold authority on how to read, interpret and use this section.
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Akmal Ahmad vs State of Delhi
Court's Decision & Legal Precedent
The Passports Act, 1967 applies only to departure from India or attempt to depart. Possession of a foreign passport while in India, even if obtained under false identity in the issuing country, does not violate the Passports Act. Further, where unauthorized possession of arms falls within a notified area under TADA, the statutory presumption that such possession is for terrorist or disruptive activities arises upon proof of possession alone. This presumption is rebuttable but operates as a matter of law. Where the accused does not rebut the presumption and no evidence supports rebuttal, conviction under Section 5 of TADA is sustainable even when Section 25 of the Arms Act would also apply, as TADA offence is more aggravated and specifically addresses terrorist-prone areas.
On this section: Definition of 'Passport' limited to passports issued under the Act; foreign passports fall under a different legal regime
The holding above is the ratio decidendi as extracted from the judgment by eCourts India, reproduced unaltered — it is a rendering of the court's reasoning, not a substitute for its words. Read the order itself before relying on it.
Made under this section, and citing it
2 instruments name this provision in its title or its text without being made under it.
Questions about Section 2
What have the courts held on Section 2 of the Passports Act?
Akmal Ahmad vs State of Delhi (24 Mar 1999) is the leading judgment on this section among those set out below: Definition of 'Passport' limited to passports issued under the Act; foreign passports fall under a different legal regime.
How do I find court cases under Section 2 of the Passports Act?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Passports Act 1967 2, section 2 Passports Act 1967, section 2 of the Passports Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome. 1 reported judgment on this section is set out on this page, beginning with Akmal Ahmad vs State of Delhi (24 Mar 1999).
What should I read with Section 2 of the Passports Act, and has it changed?
2 instruments name it without being made under it, most recently GSR 691 The Passports Rules, 1980 (11.12.1980) (1980), then Passport Rules 1980 (1980).
When did Section 2 of the Passports Act come into force?
Section 2 of the Passports Act, cited as Passports Act 1967 2, came into force on 24 Jun 1967, having been enacted on 24 Jun 1967. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.
Other sections of this Act
- 10. Variation, impounding and revocation of passports and travel documents872 words
- 24. Power to make rules495 words
- 5. Applications for passports, travel documents, etc, and orders thereon457 words
- 6. Refusal of passports, travel documents, etc441 words
- 12. Offences and penalties349 words
- 11. Appeals310 words
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 14 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.