Madras High CourtWP(MD)/3719/2023disposed of

Amjath Khan v. The Regional Passport Officer

2023-11-22Honourable Mr Justice G.R.Swaminathan4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 22.11.2023

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN Amjath Khan ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Regional Passport Officer, Government of India Ministry of External Affairs, Regional Passport Office Madurai, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Madurai.

2.The Passport Officer, Melakkal Main Road Passport Office, Kochadai, Madurai, Madurai District.

3.The Joint Commissioner of Customs, Chennai.

... Respondents (R3 is suo motu impleaded vide order dated 17.04.2023 in W.P.(MD)No.3719 of 2023 by GRSJ) Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct respondents to Re-issue of petitioner's passport bearing No.T3685331 on 1/4

the basis of petitioner's application File No.MD1073650672921 based on the petitioner's representation dated 06.12.2022 within the time stipulated by this Court.

For Petitioner : Ms.A.Banumathy For Respondents : Mr.A.Uthaman, Standing Counsel for R1 & R2.

Mr.N.Dilip Kumar, Standing Counsel for R3.

ORDER

Heard both sides.

2.The petitioner seeks re-issuance of passport. 3.Since his application was not considered by the first respondent, the present writ petition came to be filed.

4.When the matter was taken up for hearing, the learned standing counsel for the passport authority submitted that there are customs dues 2/4

payable by the petitioner. Thereupon, the third respondent was impleaded.

5,Today ie., 22.11.2023, when the matter was taken up for hearing, the learned standing counsel for the third respondent submitted that a sum of Rs.2,47,500/- has to be paid as penalty by the petitioner. 6.The petitioner is permitted to submit a fresh application for re-issuance of passport. Along with the application, the petitioner has to enclose no objection certificate from the third respondent indicating that the customs liability has been cleared. On such no objection certificate being filed, subject to fulfilment of other usual formalities, the petitioner's application for re-issuance of passport will be considered. 7.This writ petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. 22.11.2023 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No ias 3/4

G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

ias 22.11.2023 4/4