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Madras High CourtWP/13843/2024allowed

Harish Shanawaz v. The Regional Passport Office

2024-05-25Honourable Mr Justice G.R.Swaminathan4 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 25.05.2024

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN W.P.No.13843 of 2024 and WMP.Nos.15000 and 15001 of 2024 Mr.Harish Shanawaz ... Petitioner Vs.

1. 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.

2. The Inspector of Police, Central Crime Branch, CCB-I Egmore, Chennai 600 008.

... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records on the file of the 1st respondent notice vide letter Ref.No.IMP/317769603/24 dated 26.04.2024 quash the same and consequently allow the petitioner to use the travel document Passport 1/4

bearing Number B9601659 to enable the petitioner to go abroad for business purpose.

For Petitioner : Mr.E.Martin Jayakumar For Respondents : Mr.S.Balaji (R2) Government Advocate (Crl.Side)

ORDER

Heard the learned counsel appearing for the writ petitioner and the learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) appearing for the 2nd respondent.

2. The petitioner had obtained Passport without disclosing his involvement in the criminal case. Therefore, his Passport was rightly impounded. But then the question for consideration is that whether the Passport is directed to be returned to the petitioner.

3. It is seen that the case registered against the petitioner is not serious. The petitioner is directed to submit a fresh application before the 1st Respondent, explaining the reasons as to why his involvement in the 2/4

criminal case was not disclosed. The explanation given by the petitioner should be accepted by the 1st Respondent and thereafter Passport shall be returned to the Petitioner.

This writ petition is allowed on the above terms. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petitions are closed.

25.05.2024 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No arr/av To:-

1. 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.

2. The Inspector of Police, Central Crime Branch, CCB-I Egmore, Chennai 600 008.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

arr/av W.P.No.13843 of 2024 25.05.2024 4/4