M.Arunachalam v. The Regional Transport Officer

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 18-11-2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE V. LAKSHMINARAYANAN

1. M.Arunachalam S/o.Manickavasagam, No.58 Jeeva Nagar, 3rd Street, Tiruchendur Post, Thoothukudi District - 628215.

Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Regional Transport Officer Madhuranthagam, Chengalpattu District.

2.The Inspector of Police, Padalam, Chengalpattu District.

Respondent(s) PRAYER Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to return the original driving license No. TN72 19960006791 of the petitioner to him forthwith. For Petitioner(s):

Mr.K.Hariharan For Respondent:

Mr.M.Shajahan Special Government Pleader (For R1) Mr.R.Kishorekumar (For R2)

ORDER

The petitioner seeks a direction for returning of his original Driving License from the hands of the first respondent.

2. The petitioner's license was seized by the 2nd respondent and handed over to the first respondent. This was on account of the accident that took place on 17.10.2025, when the petitioner was driving a bus bearing Regn.No.TN-01AN-4335. The issue, whether a license can be seized even before the disposal of the criminal proceedings has been a subject matter of decision in P.Sethuram Vs. The Licensing Authority, Regional Transport Officer, Dindigul reported in 2010 WRL 100. The Division Bench has held that a license cannot be seized till the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.

3. Mr.M.Shahjahan, learned Special Government Pleader, took notice for the first respondent, reported yesterday that he will ensure that the license will be handed over to the petitioner. When the matter was called, he has handed over the original driving license of the petitioner to Mr.Hariharan, learned counsel for the petitioner.

4. Mr.Hariharan, acknowledges the receipt of the same.

5. Hence, no further adjudication is necessary in the writ petition. Accordingly, the writ petition stands closed. However, there shall be no order as to costs.

18-11-2025 kak Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes

To 1.The Regional Transport Officer Madhuranthagam, Chengalpattu District.

2.The Inspector Of Police Padalam, Chengalpattu District.

V.LAKSHMINARAYANAN, J.

kak 18-11-2025