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Madras High CourtWP(MD)/555/2026disposed of

Gowtham v. The Regional Passport Officer

2026-01-09Honourable Mr Justice R.Vijayakumar4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 09.01.2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR W.P.(MD)No.555 of 2026 Gowtham

...Petitioner

Vs

1. The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Madurai.

2. The Inspector of Police, Melur Police Station, Madurai District, (Crime No.181 of 2022)

...Respondents

PRAYER: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to issue a Passport to the petitioner by considering the Application in FILE No.MD1065966281325 dated 21.11.2025 within the time limit stipulated by this Court. For Petitioner : M/s.M.Jegadeesh Pandian For Respondents : M/s.M.Gajendran Central Government Standing Counsel for R1 M/s.M.Aasha Government Advocate(crl.side) for R2 1/4

ORDER

The present writ petition has been filed seeking a mandamus as against the first respondent for issuance of the passport based upon his application dated 21.11.2025.

2. The learned Government Advocate(Crl.side) appearing for the second respondent submits that the petitioner has been implicated in a criminal case in Cr.No.181 of 2022 on the file of the second respondent police for the alleged offences under Section 304-A of IPC. So far, investigation has not been completed and charge sheet has not been laid.

3. This Court in a judgment reported in 2014 (8) MLJ 61 has held that mere pendency of FIR is not a legal impediment for issuance of the passport.

4. In view of the above said facts, the first respondent is directed to consider the application of the petitioner and pass orders within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. With the above said observations, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.

09.01.2026 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet: Yes/No RJR 2/4

To

1. The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Madurai.

2. The Inspector of Police, Melur Police Station, Madurai District, 3/4

R.VIJAYAKUMAR , J.

RJR W.P.(MD)No.555 of 2026 09.01.2026 4/4