New Delhi, 18 September(Wishav Warta): Non-resident Indians (NRIs) who harass their wives or desert them could face impoundment or cancellation of their passport if the Centre accepts the recommendations of a high-level panel.
Following several complaints lodged by women deserted by their NRI husbands, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) constituted the committee in May to look into various legal and regulatory challenges and suggest measures to address them.
The panel has also recommended that cases of domestic violence be included in the scope of extradition treaties that India inks with other countries. Though Section 10 (3) of the Passport Act has a provision for impounding the passport of NRI husbands in case of a FIR or court directive, it is often not invoked due to lack of awareness and the cumbersome process involved.
