Abilash Thanabaul v. The Regional Passport Officer,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Date : 26/02/2026

CORAM

The Hon`ble Mr.Justice R.VIJAYAKUMAR Abilash Thanabaul ... Petitioner Vs

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

2. The Inspector of Police, Thaatarmadam Ps, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu..

... Respondents PRAYER :- Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 20.01.2026 and 16.02.2026 and thereby directing them to issue a fresh passport which enables him to travel abroad to acquire knowledge for his business requirements.

For Petitioner : Mr.C.Arunbagath For Respondents :Mr.G.Mariselvam for R1 1/4

Ms.M.Aasha (Crl. side) Government Advocate for R2 and R3

ORDER

The present writ petition has been filed seeking a mandamus directing the 1st respondent to consider the request of the petitioner for issuance of passport based upon his representations dated 20.01.2026 and 16.02.2026.

2.The learned Government Advocate for the 2nd respondent brought to the notice of the Court that the petitioner is implicated in a criminal case in Crime No.46/2025 and so far investigation has not been completed.

3. This Court in a judgment reported in (2014) 8 MLJ 61 (W.Jaihar William v. State of Tamil Nadu) has categorically held that pendency of a criminal case is not a legal impediment for issuance of a passport. Therefore, the 1st respondent is directed to consider the application of the petitioner and pass orders within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. 2/4

4. With the above direction, the writ petition is disposed of. No costs.

26.02.2026 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No RR TO

2. The Inspector of Police, Thaatarmadam Ps, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu..

3/4

R.VIJAYAKUMAR, J RR

ORDER

IN WP(MD) No.5054 of 2026 Date : 26.02.2026 4/4