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Madras High CourtWP/10475/2023disposed of

S.Arunachalam v. The Union Of India

2023-04-05Honourable Mr Justice M.Dhandapani6 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 05.04.2023

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI S.Arunachalam ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The Union of India, Represented by the Principal Secretary, Ministry of External affairs, Union of India, E Block, Central Secretariat, New Delhi.

2. The Regional Passport Officer, Government of India, Tirucirappalli, New Municipal Complex, Tiruchirappalli.

... Respondents PRAYER : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the second respondent to renew the passport of the petitioner in Passport Application No.TR1073775337321, dated 07.12.2021.

For Petitioner :

Mr.M.Ravikumar For Respondents :

Ms.A.Anuradha Central Govt. Standing Counsel

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed for a direction to the second respondent to renew the passport of the petitioner in Passport Application No.TR1073775337321, dated 07.12.2021.

2. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner is an Indian Citizen. The date of expiry of his passport is on 26.02.2022. Hence, he made an application in Passport Application No.TR1073775337321 before the Regional Passport Office, Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs on 07.12.2021 for renewal of his passport. But the same is pending due to a criminal case registered against him. Therefore, the petitioner has made a representation on 30.12.2022 to the second respondent to consider his application seeking renewal of his passport. But the same has not been considered till date. Hence, the petitioner has filed the present Writ Petition with the aforesaid prayer.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner would further submit that though very many grounds have been raised in the present Writ Petition, it would suffice, if this Court may issues a direction to the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 30.12.2022 for renewal of his passport application dated 07.12.2021 and pass appropriate orders, within a time frame that may be fixed by this Court.

4. The learned Central Government Standing Counsel appearing for the respondents has no serious objection for such an order being passed by this Court.

5. Heard learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials placed before this Court.

6. Considering the limited request made by the learned counsel for the petitioner, this Court, without going into the merits of the matter, directs the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 30.12.2022

for renewal of his passport and pass appropriate orders, on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

7. With the above directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.

05.04.2023 NCC: Yes / No Index : Yes / No Speaking Order : Yes / No vji

To

1. The Principal Secretary, Ministry of External affairs, The Union of India, Union of India, E Block, Central Secretariat, New Delhi.

2. The Regional Passport Officer, Government of India, Tirucirappalli, New Municipal Complex, Tiruchirappalli.

M.DHANDAPANI,J.

vji 05.04.2023