F.Issac Thomas v. The Regional Passport Officer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 19.02.2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR W.P.(MD)No.4694 of 2026 F.Issac Thomas

...Petitioner

Vs The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Plot No.A5, Salai Road and Shastri Road Junction, Thillai Nagar, Tiruchirappalli.

... Respondent PRAYER: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to renew the petitioner's passport by considering the petitioner's application in Application No.TR2075224851425 dated 20.11.2025, without insisting the petitioner on producing the decree and judgment of divorce. For Petitioner : M/s.B.Prasanna Vinoth For Respondent : Mr.B.Ponnupandi Central Government Standing Counsel * * * * * 1/4

ORDER

The present writ petition has been filed seeking a mandamus directing the respondent to renew the passport of the petitioner based upon his application dated 20.11.2025.

2. According to the learned Counsel appearing for the writ petitioner, initially passport was issued to the petitioner in the year 2003, wherein the petitioner's wife's name was mentioned as Julie. The passport had expired in the year 2013.

3. According to the learned Counsel appearing for the writ petitioner, he had entered into a customary divorce with his first wife and he had got remarried to Bhuvaneswari. Therefore, in the present application, the petitioner wants to incorporate the name of Bhuvaneswari as his wife. However, the authorities are refusing to accept the said application insisting upon the divorce order of the petitioner with Julie. Hence, the present writ petition.

4. According to the learned Counsel appearing for the writ petitioner, the petitioner and the said Julie have entered into a customary divorce, he would produce his former wife before the respondent official who is willing to give an 2/4

affidavit of undertaking to the effect that she has no objection for deleting her name from the passport and for incorporation of the name of Bhuvaneswari as the wife of the petitioner in the passport.

5. In view of the above said facts, the petitioner is directed to approach the respondent official along with his former wife and in case if any such undertaking affidavit is filed by Julie, the same shall be taken on record and the authorities are directed to process the application and issue the passport in the name of the writ petitioner.

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

19.02.2026 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet: Yes/No RJR To The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Plot No.A5, Salai Road and Shastri Road Junction, Thillai Nagar, Tiruchirappalli 3/4

R.VIJAYAKUMAR , J.

RJR W.P.(MD)No.4694 of 2026 19.02.2026 4/4