Madras High Court Empowers Women: No Husband's Consent Needed for Passport

The Madras High Court ruled that women don't need their husband's permission to apply for a passport. The decision came after Revathy's case highlighted societal attitudes treating married women as dependent on their husbands. The court instructed RPO to process her passport independently, supporting women's independence.

In a landmark ruling, the Madras High Court has declared that women do not require their husband's consent to apply for a passport. This decision came in response to the case of Revathy, who faced bureaucratic hurdles due to a pending matrimonial dispute.

Justice N Anand Venkatesh condemned the Regional Passport Office's (RPO) demand for a husband's signature, highlighting societal biases that view married women as subordinate. The court ordered the RPO to expedite Revathy’s passport application without her husband's involvement.

This judgment is a significant step toward women's empowerment, challenging outdated norms that hinder their autonomy. The High Court's stand is a denouncement of gender-based restrictions and a move toward equality.