Nithya Sigamani v. The Regional Passport Officer
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 03-03-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI W.M.P.No.8620 of 2026 Nithya Sigamani ..Petitioner(s) Vs
1. The Regional Passport Officer Ministry of External Affairs, Regional Passport Office, Royala Towers, Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002.
2. The Superintendent of Police Chennai City
3. The Inspector of police, M1 Madhavaram Police Station, Chennai.
..Respondent(s) Prayer:- Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, pleased to issue a Writ of Mandamus seeking direction to the 1st respondent to renew / re-issue the petitioner's passport pursuant to Application File No.MA2076189532626, and ignore the adverse police remark relating to Crime No.42 of 2023 (Non-Taken on File); to process and to issue the renewed Passport within a time frame fixed by this Court. For Petitioner(s):
Mr.V.Karthikeyan For Respondent(s):
Mr.V.Meganathan for R2, R3 Mr.S.Ganesh Kumar CGC for R1
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the 1st respondent to renew or re-issue the petitioner's passport pursuant to Application File No.MA2076189532626 dated 12.01.2026, and ignore the adverse police remark relating to Crime No.42 of 2023 (Non-Taken on File); to process and to issue the renewed Passport within a time frame fixed by this Court.
2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is an Indian Citizen holding Passport No.S9528398 issued on 19.12.2018, which she sought to renew through the aforementioned online application. Pursuant to the application, Police verification was conducted by the third respondent. Subsequently, the first respondent issued a communication dated 03.02.2026 stating that the applicant was involved in M1 Madhavaram Ps Cr.No.42 2023 under Section 427 of the I.P.C., though the case has not been taken on file. The petitioner further submits that no criminal proceedings are currently pending against her in any Court. Despite this, the respondents have refused to process the renewal of passport. Hence, the present Writ Petition has been filed.
3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner further submitted that this Court may issue a direction to the respondents to re-issue the passport pursuant to the online application and to issue the renewed Passport within a time frame fixed by this Court.
4. The learned counsel appearing for the respondents submitted that the petitioner's application will be considered and an appropriate order will be passed on merits.
5. Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials placed on record.
6. In view of the limited request made by the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, this Court, without going into the merits of the case, directs the first respondent to consider the online application dated 12.01.2026, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
7. With the above directions, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected Writ Miscellaneous Petition is closed. 03-03-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order ep
M.DHANDAPANI, J.
ep To
1. The Regional Passport Officer Ministry of External Affairs, Regional Passport Office, Royala Towers, Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002
2. The Superintendent of Police Chennai City
3. the Inspector of police, M1 Madhavaram Police Station, Chennai.
W.M.P.No.8620 of 2026 03-03-2026