S.Raja v. Government Of India
2025:MHC:2074
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 08-08-2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE N. ANAND VENKATESH S.Raja Petitioner(s) Vs 1.Government Of India Ministry Of External Affairs Rep. By Regional Passport Officer Regional Passport Office Tiruchirapalli, New Municipal Complex, Thillainagar, 7th Cross, Tiruchirappalli- 620 018.
2.The Inspector of Police Jayankondam Police Station, Ariyalur District.
Respondent(s) PRAYER To call for the records relating to the impugned order of the 1st respondent made in letter Ref.No.OBJ/1049661476/25 dated 24.07.2025, quash the same and consequently directing the 1st respondent to renew the passport of the petitioner.
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For Petitioner(s):
Mr.N.Abiragan For Respondent(s):
M/s.MP.Jaisha, CGSC, GOI For R1 Mr.V.Meganathan Government Advocate (Crl.Side) For R2
ORDER
This writ petition has been filed challenging the impugned communication dated 24.07.2025 issued by the 1 st respondent and for a consequential direction to the 1 st respondent to renew the passport of the petitioner.
2. The learned Government Advocate appearing on behalf of the 2 nd respondent submitted that an F.I.R (First Information Report) came to be registered against the petitioner in Crime No.426 of 2022 by the Jayankondam Police Station, Ariyalur. On completion of investigation, the case is now pending before the learned Judicial Magistrate No.1, Jayankondam in Page No.2 of 6
S.T.C.No.327 of 2025.
2. Heard Mr.N.Abiragan, learned counsel for the petitioner, M/s.MP.Jaisha, learned Central Government Standing Counsel appearing on behalf of the 1 st respondent and Mr.V.Meganathan, learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing on behalf of the 2 nd respondent.
3. In the considered view of this Court, the mere pendency of a criminal case is not a ground for rejecting the renewal of a passport. The law in issue was confirmed by the Hon'ble Division Bench of this Court in the case of The Regional Passport Officer, Shastri Bhavan, Chennai vs. Samsudeen Mohamed Salih (W.A.No.902 of 2023 dated 02.06.2023). This Court made it clear that such permission is required only where the accused person wants to leave the country.
4. In view of the above, there shall be direction to the 1 st respondent to process the application submitted by the petitioner on 18.07.2025 and renew the Page No.3 of 6
passport for regular period, if the petitioner has satisfied with all other requirements. It is made clear that if the petitioner wants to leave the country, he has to get the permission of the concerned Court, where the criminal case is pending.
5. This Writ Petition is disposed of with the above directions. No costs. 08-08-2025 Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes Jeni Page No.4 of 6
To 1.Government Of India Ministry Of External Affairs Rep. By Regional Passport Officer Regional Passport Office Tiruchirapalli, New Municipal Complex, Thillainagar, 7th Cross, Tiruchirappalli- 620 018.
2.The Inspector Of Police Jayankondam Police Station, Ariyalur District.
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N.ANAND VENKATESH J.
Jeni 08-08-2025 Page No.6 of 6