Madras High CourtWP/10729/2026disposed of with direction

Senthilkumar Bakthavatchalam v. The Regional Passport Officer

2026-03-23Honourable Mr Justice M.Dhandapani4 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 23-03-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI Senthilkumar Bakthavatchalam S/o.Bakthavatchalam, No18, A I B E A Nagar, Mogappair West, Chennai-600 037 ..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Regional Passport officer Office of the regional Passport office, Chennai Royala Towers, No.2 and 3, IV Floor, New No.158, Old No.785, Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002

2. The State Represented by The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Central Crime Branch ALGSC-II, Greater Chennai Police, Vepery, Chennai-600 007 ..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of writ of Mandamus directing the 1st respondent to consider the petitioners application pending on 1st respondents file No.MA2075848588625 dated 30.10.2025 to renew-re-issue the passport No.M2221512 for a period of ten years within the time stipulated by this Court For Petitioner(s):

Mr.E.Udayachander For Respondent(s):

Mr.G.Subramanian, Central Government Standing Counsel for R1 Mr.V.Meghanathan, Government Advocate (Crl.Side) for R2

Order This Writ Petition has been filed by the petitioner to consider his application dated 30.10.2025 to renew and re-issue the passport for a period of ten years.

2. Case of the petitioner is that he obtained passport from the respondent on 19.09.2014 which was valid upto 18.09.2024. The petitioner applied for the renewal of his passport on 28.10.2025 through online to the 1st respondent and it was taken on file on 31.10.2025. However, the same was not renewed stating that a criminal case is pending against the petitioner. It is the contention of the petitioner that the said criminal case was filed on mistake of facts and the 2nd respondent is yet to file the closure report. However, the 1st respondent is still kept the application dated 30.10.2025, pending without any valid reasons. Hence, the petitioner is before this Court.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that it would suffice, if the first respondent is directed to dispose of the application of the petitioner dated 30.10.2025 on merits and in accordance with law, within a specified period.

4. The learned counsel appearing for the respondents has no objection for such an order being passed by this Court.

5. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and learned counsel appearing for the respondents.

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 application of the petitioner dated 30.10.2025 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

7. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

23-03-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SK

M.DHANDAPANI J.

SK To

1. The Regional Passport officer Office of the regional Passport office, Chennai Royala Towers, No.2 and 3, IV Floor, New No.158, Old No.785, Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002

2. The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Central Crime Branch ALGSC-II, Greater Chennai Police, Vepery, Chennai-600 007 23-03-2026