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Madras High CourtWP(MD)/3117/2026disposed of

Murari Sabapathy v. The Regional Passport Officer

2026-02-05Honourable Mr Justice R.Vijayakumar4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 05.02.2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR W.P.(MD)No.3117 of 2026 Murari Sabapathy

...Petitioner

Vs

1. The Regional Passport Officer, The Regional Passport Office, Madurai Bharathi Ula Street, Race Course Road, Madurai, Tamil Nadu - 625 002.

2. The State of Tamilnadu, Represented by the Inspector of Police, South Thamaraikulam Police Station, Kanyakumari 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 renew the petitioner's passport within a time frame fixed by this Court. For Petitioner : M/s.S.Ananth For Respondents : Mr.B.Ponnupandi 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 to renew the petitioner's passport.

2. The learned Government Advocate(crl.side) appearing for the second respondent brought to the notice of the Court that the petitioner has been implicated in a criminal case in Cr.No.107 of 2022 on the file of the second respondent police. Though charge sheet is said to have been laid on 16.12.2022 before the learned Judicial Magistrate No.3, Nagercoil, the same is yet to be taken on file. Therefore, it is clear that as on today, the trial Court has not taken cognizance.

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 above said facts, the first respondent is directed 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.

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

05.02.2026 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet: Yes/No RJR To

1. The Regional Passport Officer, The Regional Passport Office, Madurai Bharathi Ula Street, Race Course Road, Madurai, Tamil Nadu - 625 002.

2. The Inspector of Police, South Thamaraikulam Police Station, Kanyakumari District.

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R.VIJAYAKUMAR , J.

RJR W.P.(MD)No.3117 of 2026 05.02.2026 4/4