Pranav Khanna

Profile description

An NRI whose passport has been impounded by Indian authorities can find international travel halted, employment contracts jeopardized, and personal emergencies unmanageable. Pranav Khanna focuses on filing writ petitions that compel the release of passports and challenge unlawful travel bans, helping clients regain their mobility swiftly.

Pranav Khanna earned his LL.B. from a distinguished law school and began his practice in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where he handled a wide range of civil and criminal matters. Over the past eight years, he has built a reputation for quickly securing court orders that protect NRI rights, especially in cases involving passport impoundment and travel restrictions.

The Indian Constitution permits the filing of a writ of habeas corpus or a writ of certiorari to challenge unlawful detention of a passport. Pranav Khanna prepares a precise petition that outlines the statutory violations, such as lack of prior notice or failure to follow the prescribed procedure for impoundment. He then presents the petition before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, requesting an immediate order for the passport’s release.

Travel bans can be imposed through a Proclamation Order or a Section 31A notice, preventing an NRI from leaving India without a court order. Pranav Khanna examines the legal basis of the restriction, identifies any procedural lapses, and drafts a writ petition seeking its quash. He argues that the restriction violates fundamental rights to freedom of movement and that the issuing authority failed to provide sufficient justification.

Clients often reside in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom or the Gulf region, making physical appearance in Chandigarh difficult. Pranav has set up a secure digital platform that enables clients to upload passport copies, travel itineraries, and any relevant correspondence instantly. He coordinates with local agents to file the writ, serves notice to the responsible police officials, and represents the client in virtual hearings before the High Court.

In a notable case, an Indian software engineer living in Dubai was prevented from leaving the country after his passport was seized on allegations of tax evasion. Pranav Khanna filed a writ of habeas corpus, presenting proof that the alleged tax dues were already settled abroad and that the impoundment lacked statutory authority. The Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the immediate return of the passport, allowing the client to board his flight the same day.

Pranav Khanna begins every case with a detailed fact‑finding session, asking the client to provide the exact date of impoundment, the authority involved, and any previous communications. He then drafts a concise petition that cites relevant constitutional provisions and recent Supreme Court rulings on passport rights. Throughout the litigation, Pranav supplies written updates and holds regular video conferences to discuss next steps and answer client questions.

Beyond the immediate writ, Pranav assists clients in challenging any ancillary orders that may restrict overseas employment, education or family reunification. He can file supplementary petitions to annul Section 31A notices, seek compensatory relief for wrongful detention, and advise on safeguarding other travel documents such as visas. This comprehensive strategy ensures that the client’s full set of rights is protected.

If your passport has been impounded or you are facing a travel ban, Pranav Khanna can evaluate the legal grounds, prepare a strong writ petition, and represent you before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. With a record of prompt passport releases and effective challenges to travel restrictions, he offers a practical solution to restore your freedom of movement.

Criminal Law Practice Areas