Madras High CourtWP(MD)/3240/2023disposed of

G.Saraswathy v. The Regional Passport Officer

2023-03-02Honourable Mr Justice G.R.Swaminathan4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 02.03.2023

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN G.Saraswathy ... Petitioner Vs.

The Regional Passport Officer, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Madurai - 625 002.

... Respondent PRAYER: Writ petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to issue Passport based on the petitioners application in file No.MD1073261312921 and petitioners representation dated 02.02.2023 and appropriate orders within the time frame fixed by this Honble Court For Petitioner : Mr.T.Bashyam For Respondent : Mr.K.R.Laxman Senior Panel Counsel

ORDER

Heard the learned counsel on either side.

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2. The petitioner seeks re-issuance of passport. The petitioner is a 53 years old lady and she wants to go abroad to see her grand child. In normal circumstances, this Court would have allowed the writ petition. However, the learned Standing Counsel brings to the Court's notice certain facts. The petitioner obtained passport in the year 2002 from RPO, Trichy. Stating that the said passport was lost she got a new passport in October-2003. In April-2007, she once again reported loss of her passport and got a new passport. In 2009 also she got a new passport stating that the earlier passport was lost. In 2018, she applied for new passport in High Commission, Kulalumpur. In these circumstances, the respondent is justified in entertaining some suspicion. The jurisdictional Superintendent of Police has also not cleared the petitioner's case. Therefore the respondent has referred the matter to Passport and Visa Division (PSP Division) Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi and the reply is awaited.

3. I direct the Joint Secretary(PSP) and CPO, PSP Division, Ministry of External affairs, Room No.27, Patiala House, Tilak Marg, New Delhi-110 001, to expeditiously respond to the query raised by the respondent so that final decision can be taken. If the decision of the 2/4

respondent is adverse, the same will be communicated to the petitioner and a speaking order shall be passed. If the reply is favourable, the respondent will reissue the passport to the petitioner. In any event, the entire exercise shall be completed within a period of 12 weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

4. This writ petition is dispose of. No costs. 02.03.2023 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No pnn To 1.The Joint Secretary(PSP) and CPO, PSP Division, Ministry of External affairs, Room No.27, Patiala House, Tilak Marg, New Delhi-110 001 2.The Regional Passport Officer, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Madurai - 625 002.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN,J.

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