Judgment 1. It is common ground that the petitioner filed application for grant of passport on 18.10.2001. His grievance is that even after the lapse of more than two years passport has not been given to him. 2. Counter affidavit has been filed on behalf of the respondents in which it has been stated that the passport has been issued on 7.11.2003. This had happened only after the petitioner had chosen to file this writ application. 3. Let the Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs hold an enquiry by himself or through any responsible officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary, the reason for delay in issuance of the passport and the person, in his opinion, responsible for the same. In case he finds that this delay had occurred on account of dereliction of duty on part of the Passport Officer or any other employee, he shall indicate as to whether he intends to take action against the erring person. 4. Report as called for must reach this court within four weeks from the date of receipt/communication of this order. 5. List it after six weeks at the top of the supplementary list. Let a copy of this order be handed over to Mr.S.N.Pathak, Additional Standing Counsel, Central Government.