Ravi Shankar Mangipudy v. The Regional Passport Officer
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 08.08.2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.ANAND VENKATESH and W.M.P.No.32042 of 2025 Ravi Shankar Mangipudy S/o. Late Bapanna represented By his POA Sai Malathi Petitioner Vs
1. The Regional Passport Officer Royala Towers No.2 and 3, IV Floor, Old No.785, New No.158, Anna Salai, Chennai, Tamli Nadu - 600 002.
Voice:044-2851 3640 Fax:044-2851 3637 E-mail: rpo.chennai@mea.gov.in 2.State Bank of India, Stressed Assets Management Branch, "Red Cross Buildings", No.32, Monteith Road, Egmore, Chennai.
3.State Bank of India rep by its Deputy General Manager, Industrial Finance Branch, No.155, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.
4.M/s.General Nice Mineral Resources (India) 1/6
Pvt. Ltd.
Rep. by its Director Mr.Lau Yu, No.90, Chamiers Road, Chennai - 600 018.
5.M/s.General Nice Resources Hong Kong Ltd.
represented by its Chariman Mr.CAI Sui Xin, 7th and 20th Floor, Lippo Leighton Tower, 103, Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.
6.Inspector of Police E4 Police Station, Alwarpet, Chennai - 600 018.
Respondents Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the first respondent to consider the representation dated 23.03.2025 and consequently, renew the passport of the petitioner with passport No.U0813543.
For Petitioner : Mr.Venkatesh Mohanraj For Respondents : Mr.K.Subbu Ranga Bharathi Central Government Counsel [R1] Mr.V.Meganathan Government Advocate [Crl.side] [R6] *****
O R D E R
This writ petition has been filed seeking issuance of a writ of 2/6
mandamus directing the first respondent to consider the representation made by the petitioner wherein the petitioner is seeking for renewal of passport.
2. Mr.Venkatesh Mohanraj, learned counsel for petitioner, Mr.K.Subbu Ranga Bharathi, learned Central Government Counsel appearing for first respondent and Mr.V.Meganathan, learned Government Advocate [Crl.side] appearing for sixth respondent.
3. Learned Government Advocate [Crl.side] appearing on behalf of the sixth respondent submitted that there are no criminal cases pending against the petitioner. Learned counsel further submitted that on verification, it is seen that some cases have been filed for offence u/s.138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.
4. A counter affidavit has been filed by the first respondent. The first respondent has taken a stand that a communication dated 18.08.2023 was received from the State Bank of India indicating that the petitioner was a promoter/director of Indian Companies which had defaulted on credit facilities. That apart, the petitioner had left the country 3/6
and he has been classified as a defaulter. In view of the same, the application submitted by the petitioner for renewal of his passport was kept pending. The first respondent has taken a further stand that the petitioner can apply for renewal of passport under regular category and on submission of application, it will be processed in accordance with law and on clearance of the subsisting adverse inputs, the passport will be renewed.
5. In the considered view of this Court, the police has confirmed that there are no criminal cases pending against the petitioner except for complaint filed under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. That apart, a communication has been received from the State Bank of India on the ground that the petitioner has committed default on credit facilities and he has been declared as a defaulter. In view of the above, the only objection against the petitioner as of now is the communication dated 18.08.2023 received from the State Bank of India wherein the petitioner has been declared as a defaulter. That by itself cannot be a ground to refuse renewal of a passport.
6. In view of the above, there shall be a direction to the petitioner to apply for renewal of passport under regular category before 4/6
the Consulate General of India, Dubai and the same shall be processed by the said authority and the passport shall be renewed at the earliest since it is stated that the period is ending on 16.08.2025 and the petitioner is presently in Dubai. If the petitioner stays at Dubai after the expiry of the period that will result in the petitioner facing further consequences. Therefore, in order to avoid the same, it will be appropriate for the Consulate General of India, Dubai, to complete the process well in time. This writ petition is disposed of with the above direction. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 08.08.2025 Note: Issue order copy by 11.08.2025 Index: Yes/no Speaking Order/Non-Speaking Order gm N.ANAND VENKATESH, J gm To 5/6
1.The Principal Secretary, Union of India, Ministry of External Affairs, South Block, New Delhi - 110 001.
2.The Regional Passport Officer/ Vice Counsel (Passport), Consulate General of India, Dubai.
3.The Inspector of Police, Mangalampet Police Station, Cuddalore District.
08.08.2025 6/6