Hi
A false criminal case was filed against my cousin about 25 years ago. My cousin was declared not guilty and acquitted by the court. The other party has then filed an appeal against the order and the matter in lying in High Court since about 20 years.
1. I wish to know that under the Passport act, 1967, when an appeal against a not guilty order is filed in a higher court, will that amount to "Criminal case pending in the court of law?".
2. If answer to the above question is yes, should my cousin declare this judgement/case in the new passport application? I understand, then he has to obtain a NOC from the court and maximum validity of the passport will be only 1 year, instead of the regular 10 year validity. Also, there are chances that passport may not be issued at all. 
Gurus, please help.
Abhay
New Delhi
