Madras High CourtWP(MD)/1146/2026disposed of

S.Paneer v. The Regional Passport Officer

2026-01-28Honourable Mr Justice R.Vijayakumar4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 28.01.2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR W.P.(MD)No.1146 of 2026 S.Paneer

...Petitioner

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

2. The State rep. by the Inspector of Police, Keeramangalam Police Station, Pudukkottai District.

...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 Passport to the petitioner in the petitioner's Passport Application No.TR2067231904524 dated 20.12.2024, pending on the file of 1st respondent within a reasonable time For Petitioner : M/s.K.Kharikharadas For Respondents : Mrs.S.Mahalakshmi 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 directing the first respondent for issuance of the passport based upon his application dated 20.12.2024.

2. The learned Government Advocate(crl.side) appearing for the second respondent has filed a status report to contend that the petitioner has been implicated in a criminal in Cr.No.147 of 2018 on the file of the second respondent police. So far charge sheet has not been laid before the concerned Court. However, the learned Government Advocate(crl.side) appearing for the second respondent raised serious objections for considering the request for the petitioner for issuance of the passport.

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. Considering the fact that charge sheet has not been laid for the past 7 years, this Court is inclined to direct the first respondent to consider the request of the petitioner for issuance of the passport and pass orders within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. 2/4

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

28.01.2026 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet: Yes/No RJR To

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

2. The Inspector of Police, Keeramangalam Police Station, Pudukkottai District.

3/4

R.VIJAYAKUMAR , J.

RJR W.P.(MD)No.1146 of 2026 28.01.2026 4/4