Srinagar, July 17 -- The Additional Sessions Court in Srinagar Thursday directed the Regional Passport Office to consider the renewal of National Conference president and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah's passport for one year, holding that issuance of a passport does not automatically entitle an accused to travel abroad.

The court ruled that prior permission of the competent court will remain mandatory in pendency of criminal proceedings against Abdullah arising out of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) fund misappropriation case.

The accused Abdullah had approached the court seeking a No Objection Certificate (NOC) after the Regional Passport Office sought court permission in view of the pending case.

He submit...