Hyderabad, Nov. 14 -- The Telangana High Court, hearing a case from Hyderabad, has directed passport authorities to issue passports to two minor children under their grandparents' care, ruling that their father, who neglected them after their mother's death, has no right to obstruct the process.

The petition was filed by Mohammed Tajuddin of Hyderabad, the children's grandfather, after officials refused to issue passports without the father's consent. Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka heard and decided the case.

Petitioner's arguments

Advocate Ambedkar, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the children have been living with their maternal grandparents since their mother's demise. The lower court had earlier ordered the father to pay Rs 12...