Sundarrajan.K v. Regional Passport Office Chennai

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 07.08.2024

CORAM:

THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI Sundarrajan. K.

....

Petitioner

Versus

Regional Passport Office, Chennai, Chennai Rayala Towers, No.2 and 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 to issue Writ of Mandamus to direct the respondent to renew petitioner's Passport bearing No.P2507816 pending vide File No.MA1076649239724.

For Petitioner : Mr.C. Selvakumar For Respondent : Mr.Gangatharan

ORDER

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

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2. Mr.Gangatharan, learned counsel accepts notice for the respondent.

3. The facts of the case is that the petitioner's Passport bearing No.P2507816 will expire on 04.08.2026 and additional pages to be added in the said Passport, thereby the petitioner approached the respondent for renewal of his Passport. But the said renewal was refused by the respondent vide their letter dated 21.06.2024, stating that criminal case is pending against the petitioner. In such circumstances, this writ petition has been filed seeking for Mandamus.

4. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that, it would suffice, if this Court issues a direction to the respondent to consider the petitioner's request for renewal of Passport bearing No.P2507816, within a stipulated time.

5. The learned counsel for the respondent has no objection for said order being passed.

6. Having regard to the submissions made by the learned counsel on either side, taking into consideration the limited prayer sought for in the Writ Petition, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, this Court directs the respondent to process the application for renewal of Passport submitted by the petitioner and pass orders on merits and in 2/4

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.

07.08.2024 Index : Yes / No Internet: Yes/No Speaking Order/Non-Speaking Order vsi2 To Regional Passport Office, Chennai, Chennai Rayala Towers, No.2 and 3, IV Floor, Old No.785, New No.158, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.

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M.DHANDAPANI, J.

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