Madras High CourtWP/22148/2026disposed of with direction

Mr.M. Muthamizhvanan v. The Regional Transport Authority

2026-06-15Honourable Mr Justice M.Dhandapani5 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 15-06-2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI WP No. 22148 of 2026 and WMP.No.24033 of 2026 Mr.M. Muthamizhvanan Petitioner(s) Vs The Regional Transport Authority Rep. by its Regional Transport Officer Vellore RTO, Vellore District.

Respondent(s) PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, calling for the entire records pertaining to the impugned rejection Letter issued by the Respondent in Ref. No. Na.Ka.No. 06212 /E3 /2026 dated 11.02.2026, quash the same as being illegal, arbitrary, without jurisdiction and violative of the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and consequently direct the Respondents to consider and grant renewal of South India Tourist Vehicle Permit in respect of the petitioners vehicle bearing Registration No. TN25 AS4336.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.A.Gokula Krishna For Respondent(s):

Mr.M.Sivavarthanan, Government Counsel

ORDER

By consent of both parties, this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

2. This writ petition has bee filed challenging the rejection letter issued by

the respondent in Ref. No. Na.Ka.No. 06212 /E3 /2026 dated 11.02.2026, quash the same as being illegal, arbitrary, without jurisdiction and violative of the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and consequently direct the Respondents to consider and grant renewal of South India Tourist Vehicle Permit in respect of the petitioners vehicle bearing Registration No. TN25 AS4336.

3. It is the case of the petitioner that the petitioner is the registered owner of the above-mentioned vehicle and has complied with all the statutory requirement prescribed under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The petitioner was operating the subject vehicle on the strength of a valid South India Tourist Permit which expired on 13.01.2026. Due to personal circumstances, the petitioner was unable to apply the renewal immediately, thereafter, the petitioner has submitted a representation dated 02.02.2026, however, the respondent directed the petitioner to apply afresh by issuing the impugned letter. Challenging the rejection letter, the present petition.

4. The learned Government Counsel submitted that if the petitioner after surrendering the permit, submits a fresh application with penalty charges, the petitioner's application will be considered and appropriate orders will be passed within a reasonable time as fixed by this Court.

5. Heard both sides and perused the materials placed on record.

6. In view of the above, this Court without going into the merits directs the petitioner to surrender the permit within a period of one week from the date of receipt of a copy of this order and make a fresh application for renewal before the respondent. The respondent shall process the application of renewal submitted by the petitioner and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law within a period of six weeks from the date of surrender of permit by the petitioner.

7. Accordingly, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition stand closed. 15-06-2026 dhk Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes

To The Regional Transport Authority Rep. by its Regional Transport Officer Vellore RTO, Vellore District.

M.DHANDAPANI J.

dhk 15-06-2026