M.Veerappan v. The Regional Passport Officer, Coimbatore

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 21.08.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE N. ANAND VENKATESH M.Veerappan, S/o.Mariappan ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The Regional Passport Officer, Coimbatore, First Floor, Corporation Commercial Complex, Opp.Thandumariamman Kovil, Avinashi Road, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

2. The Inspector of Police, Kanniyur Police Station, Tiruppur District.

... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to consider the petitioner's representation dated 22.07.2025 and consequently, direct the 1st respondent to issue passport in the pending application reference number 25-1003809711 dated 28.04.2025 within a time frame fixed by this Court. 1/4

For Petitioner : Mr.C.S.Jeeva Kuralamudhu For Respondents : Mr.K.Balaji, Central Government Standing Counsel [R1] Mr.V.Meganathan Government Advocate [Crl.side] [R2] *****

O R D E R

This writ petition has been filed seeking issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the first respondent to process the application submitted by the petitioner on 28.04.2025 wherein the petitioner is seeking for issuance of passport.

2. When the matter was taken up for hearing, learned Government Advocate appearing for the second respondent submitted that investigation is pending against the petitioner in Crime No.126 of 2024.

3. Learned Central Government Standing Counsel appearing on behalf of the first respondent submitted that there are previous cases against the petitioner and the petitioner concealed the same and applied for passport. Therefore, notice was issued to the petitioner and the petitioner was called upon to explain.

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4. In the considered view of this Court, the adverse report received from the second respondent shows that investigation is pending in Crime No.126 of 2024 against the petitioner. Mere pendency of the First Information Report cannot be a ground to deny issuance of passport. The law on this issue is now too well settled. In view of the above, there shall be a direction to the first respondent to process the application submitted by the petitioner on 28.04.2025 and to issue passport if the petitioner satisfies all the other requirements. This process shall be completed by the first respondent within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. This writ petition is disposed of with the above direction. No costs. 21.08.2025 Speaking/Non-speaking order Index : Yes / No gm 3/4

N. ANAND VENKATESH, J.

gm To

1. The Regional Passport Officer, Coimbatore, First Floor, Corporation Commercial Complex, Opp.Thandumariamman Kovil, Avinashi Road, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

2. The Inspector of Police, Kanniyur Police Station, Tiruppur District.

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