Madras High CourtWP/17953/2023disposed of

Vijay v. The Regional Passport Officer

2023-06-20Honourable Mr Justice M.Dhandapani4 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 20.06.2023

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI Vijay . . . Petitioner Vs.

1. The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, New Municipal Complex, Thillainagar 7th Class, Tiruchirappalli-620 018.

2. The Inspector of Police, Anaikaranchatram Police Station, Mayiladuthurai District. . . . Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus or any other appropriate Writ, order or direction in the nature of Writ, by directing the 1st Respondent to issue a passport to the petitioner, by considering his Application No.TR01C5025747723 dated 22.03.2023, within the time limit to be stipulated by this Court.

For petitioner : M/s.M.Vijaya Ragavan For Respondents : Mr.S.N.Parthasarathi for R1

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed for a direction to the 1st respondent to issue passport to the petitioner by considering his application dated 22.03.2023 within the time limit fixed by this Court.

2. Mr.S.N.Parthasarathi, learned counsel takes notice on behalf of the 1st respondent.

3. On 22.03.2023, the petitioner made an application to the 1st respondent for issuance of passport, pursuant to which, the 1st respondent sent a letter dated 17.05.2023 stating that there is a Criminal case pending against the petitioner in Crime No.32 of 2018 and hence, sought for certain documents to be submitted to the enquiry officer. Though the petitioner has given his explanation, the petitioner's application for passport, is still pending with the 1st respondent. Hence, this Writ Petition has been filed.

4. Though very many grounds have been raised, however, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that it would suffice if this Court issues a direction to the 1st Respondent to consider the petitioner's passport application dated 22.03.2023 and pass orders on merits within the time that may be stipulated by this Court.

5. Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the 1st respondent submitted that pursuant to his application for passport, the petitioner was directed to appear before the Passport Office vide letter dated 05.12.2023. However, till date, the petitioner did not appear.

6. Considering the submission made by the learned counsel on behalf of the 1st respondent, there shall be a direction to the petitioner to appear before the 1st respondent office within a period of one week from the date of receipt of a copy of this order and give his explanation. Upon hearing the petitioner, the 1st respondent is directed to pass appropriate orders within a period of four weeks thereafter. M.DHANDAPANI, J

NHS

7. This Writ Petition stands disposed of with the aforesaid direction. There shall be no order as to costs. 20.06.2023 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No NHS To

1. The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, New Municipal Complex, Thillainagar 7th Class, Tiruchirappalli-620 018.

2. The Inspector of Police, Anaikaranchatram Police Station, Mayiladuthurai District.

20.06.2023