Satya Dev Addepally v. The Regional Passport Office

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 21.04.2025 CORAM :

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY Satya Dev Addepally ..

Petitioner Vs.

The Regional Passport Office Regional Passport Officer Royala Tower No.2 & 3, IV Floor Old No.785, New No.158, Anna Salai Chennai - 600 002.

.. Respondent Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to re-issue / renew the old passport of the petitioner vide passport No.J7400753 by processing the application reference Number 21 - 1003059007 dated 26.06.2021 expeditiously and pass such further or other order.

For the Petitioner : Mr.P.Aravind Pandiyan Senior Counsel for Ms.A.Srijayanthi

For the Respondent : Mr.Ravi Meenashisundaram CGSC

ORDER

The Writ Petition is filed with a prayer to direct the respondent to re-issue the passport of the petitioner bearing No.J7400753.

2. When the matter came up for admission, Mr.Ravi Meenashisundaram, the learned Central Government Standing Counsel taking notice on behalf of the respondent would submit that the petitioner had submitted an application in File No.21-1003059007. However, when notice was sent to the petitioner, it returned undelivered. Therefore, now the petitioner can make a fresh application with correct details and proof. The same will be considered by the respondent.

3. The learned Senior Counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner would submit that there is grave urgency in the matter, since the petitioner has got an opportunity to leave abroad, he is in need of the passport urgently. It is also the contention of the learned Senior Counsel that the only criminal case that was

pending against the petitioner was also disposed of and there is no impediment to issue a passport to the petitioner.

4. I have considered the rival submissions made on either side and perused the material records of the case.

5. Since the petitioner has got an opportunity, every endeavour will be made by this Court as well as the authorities to help the petitioner in going abroad for some employment.

6. In view thereof, this Writ Petition is disposed of on the following terms:- (i) The petitioner shall submit a fresh application with correct address and particulars by enclosing a copy of this order and also the order dated 11.02.2006 passed by the learned Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, New Delhi; (ii) If the online application does not accept the order copies, the same shall be positively sent by registered post;

(iii) Upon the application being sent, the petitioner shall appear before the respondent on 25.04.2025 or any time sooner thereafter, as may be desired by the respondent;

(iv) Thereafter, the respondent shall consider the application as expeditiously as possible and pass final orders thereon. In any event not later than three weeks from the date of receipt / production of the web copy of the order, without waiting for the certified copy of the order; (v) While considering the application of the petitioner, the statement made by the petitioner that upon expiry of the original passport bearing No.B5899164, a new passport was issued in No.J7400753 shall also be taken into account; (vi) No costs.

21.04.2025 : Yes / No Jer To The Regional Passport Officer Regional Passport Office Royala Tower No.2 & 3, IV Floor Old No.785, New No.158, Anna Salai Chennai - 600 002.

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

Jer 21.04.2025