Santosh Jayavelu v. The Regional Passport Officer

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 11.11.2025 C O R A M THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI Santhosh Jayavelu ... Petitioner Vs 1.The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Ministry of External Affairs, Chennai Royala Towers, No.2 & 3, IV Floor, Old No.785, New No.158, Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002.

2.The Inspector of Police, Vaniyambadi Town Police Station, Thirupathur District. ... Respondents PRAYER : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the 1st Respondent to re-issue passport to me based on my application vide file No.MA5074929872225 dated 20.03.2025 forthwith.

For Petitioner : Mr.S.Sasikumar For Respondents : Mr.D.Baskar for R-1 : Mr.S.Balaji, Government Advocate (Crl.Side) for R-2 1/5

O R D E R

The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the 1st Respondent to re-issue the passport to the petitioner based on his application vide file No.MA5074929872225 dated 20.03.2025 forthwith.

2. Mr.D.Baskar, learned counsel takes notice on behalf of the 1st respondent and Mr.S.Balaji, learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) takes notice on behalf of the 2nd respondent.

3. It is the case of the petitioner that he had submitted an application dated 20.03.2025 for renewal/re-issuance of passport to the respondent. However, the said application has not been processed till date citing pendency of criminal case against the petitioner on the file of the 2nd respondent in Crime No.488 of 2023 for the offences u/s 143 & 341 of IPC. Hence, the petitioner has come up with the present Writ Petition.

4. Though very many grounds have been raised, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that it would suffice, if this Court issues a direction to the respondents to consider the petitioner's application dated 20.03.2025 and pass orders on the same within the time that may be stipulated by this Court.

5. On the above contention, this Court heard the learned counsel appearing on either side.

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6. In view of the limited relief sought for by the petitioner, this Court without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, directs the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's application dated 20.03.2025 seeking renewal/re-issuance of passport and pass appropriate orders on the same in accordance with law within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, after affording an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner.

7. This Writ Petition stands disposed of with the aforesaid direction. There shall be no order as to costs.

11.11.2025 Index : Yes / No Speaking Order / Non-speaking order Nhs 3/5

To 1.The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Ministry of External Affairs, Chennai Royala Towers, No.2 & 3, IV Floor, Old No.785, New No.158, Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002.

2.The Inspector of Police, Vaniyambadi Town Police Station, Thirupathur District.

3.The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras, Chennai-600 104.

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M.DHANDAPANI, J Nhs 11.11.2025 5/5