Balamurugan v. The Regional Passport Officer

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 30.10.2025

CORAM:

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI Balamurugan ... Petitioner Vs.

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

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

... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the first respondent to reissue a passport to the petitioner by considering his Application Reference No.25-1063054790 dated 09.10.2025, within the time limit to be stipulated by this Court.

For Petitioner :

Mr.M.Vijaya Ragavan For Respondent-1 :

Mr.UM.Sankar For Respondent-2 :

Mr.S.Balaji, GA (Crl. Side)

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the first respondent herein to reissue a passport to the petitioner by considering his Application Reference No.25-1063054790 dated 09.10.2025, within a time frame as fixed by this Court.

2. Heard the learned counsels on either side. With the consent of both sides, this Writ Petition is taken up for hearing at the admission stage itself.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner made an application dated 09.10.2025 for re-issuance/renewal of his passport as his passport expires on 18.12.2025 and the same is pending with the first respondent herein on the ground of pendency of a criminal case in Crime No.30 of 2020 on the file of the second respondent police. Hence, the present Petition.

4. The learned Standing counsel for the first respondent fairly submitted that the petitioner's application dated 09.10.2025 will be considered and appropriate orders will be passed by the first respondent on merits and in accordance with the Passport Act and Rules, as expeditiously as possible.

5. Admittedly, it is a well settled proposition of law that mere pendency of FIR is not a bar for the authority to issue passport. Therefore, this Court directs the first respondent herein to consider the petitioner's application dated 09.10.2025 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with the Passport Act and Rules, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

6. With the above direction, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no orders as to costs.

30.10.2025 Index: Yes/No NCC : Yes/No Order : Speaking/Non Speaking DP

M.DHANDAPANI.J, DP To 1.The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, New Municipal Complex, Thillainagar 7th Cross, Tiruchirappalli-620 018.

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

30.10.2025