Legal opinion however points out that the company's demand is unconstitutional. Advocate Nav Kiran told Newsline: "It is a violation under Article 19 of the Constitution of India which guarantees the individual's freedom of movement."

Mann declined to speak to Newsline saying that he was not authorised to talk to the press but another company spokesman maintained that taking away passports is a "normal practice of multinational companies. We just want to check the sudden exit of employees from the company. Action will be taken against the employees who do not submit their passports in time. It is not illegal to keep passports."

"In the interest of the company and its employees, there is need to stop such malpractice," the circular stated, adding "It is therefore decided that all employees who have obtained the passport shall deposit the same along with the photocopy to the P&A Division. They can take back the passport as and when required for bonafide activities. Employees who do not posses a passport have to give in writing on a Rs 3 stamp paper that they do not have one and if they obtain it, it will be deposited with the P&A department."