Deivasgamani Marimuthu v. The Regional Passport Officer

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 18-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE MOHAMMED SHAFFIQ Deivasgamani Marimuthu S/o Marimuthu No.2/98 South Street Koraikuzhi Ulliyakkudi Post Udayarpalayam Taluk Ariyalur District ..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Ministry of External Affairs, Sasthri Bhavan, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600034,

2. The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Tiruchirapalli, New Municipal Complex Thillai Nagar 7th Cross, Tiruchirapalli 620018.

3. The Inspector of Police, Vikkiramangalam Police Station, Vikkiramangalam, Ariyalur District.

..Respondent(s) PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for a writ of Mandamus directing the 2nd respondent to re-issue passport to petitioner based on his application vide file No.TR1077150411524 dated 26.11.2024 forthwith.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.K.Balu

For Respondent(s):

Mr.K.Gangadaran Central Government Counsel (for R1 & R2) Mr.Durai Gunasekaran Government Advocate (for R3)

ORDER

The present writ petition is filed praying for a writ of Mandamus to direct the 2nd respondent to re-issue passport to petitioner based on his application vide file No.TR1077150411524 dated 26.11.2024.

2. Learned counsel for petitioner had obtained passport bearing No.T5514672 on 03.04.2019 from the 2nd respondent at Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu and the same is valid till 02.04.2029. He would further submit that there are no blank pages for further travel and the petitioner had therefore made an application seeking re-issue of passport. It is stated that petitioner submitted an application before the 2nd respondent on 26.11.2024, however, the same was rejected by the respondent stating that there is a criminal case pending against the petitioner. Hence the writ petition.

3. Though the learned counsel for respondents would submit that a criminal case that is pending and the petitioner has multiple passports, he would nevertheless submit that the concerned respondent would consider petitioner's application dated 26.11.2024 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in

accordance with law within a time period to be stipulated by this Court. Agreed to by the learned counsel for petitioner.

4. In view of the same, taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case and the limited relief sought for in this Writ Petition, there shall be a direction to the respondents to consider petitioner's application dated 26.11.2024 on its own merits and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law, after issuing notice and after affording reasonable opportunity of hearing to petitioner within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of uploading of web copy without waiting for receipt of certified copy of the order. It is made clear that this Court has not expressed any views with regard to the merits of the application and it is open to the concerned respondent to consider the application on its own merits and in accordance with law.

5. Accordingly, the writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. 18-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order MKA

To:

1.The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Ministry of External Affairs, Sasthri Bhavan, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600034, 2.The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Tiruchirapalli, New Municipal Complex Thillai Nagar 7th Cross, Tiruchirapalli 620018.

3.The Inspector of Police, Vikkiramangalam Police Station, Vikkiramangalam, Ariyalur District.

MOHAMMED SHAFFIQ J.

MKA 18-06-2026