Madras High CourtWP(MD)/5523/2026disposed of

Jeyapal P v. The Regional Transport Officer

2026-03-06Honourable Mr Justice D.Bharatha Chakravarthy4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 06-03-2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY P.Jeyapal ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The Regional Transport Officer, The Regional Transport Office, Madurai South, Madurai District

2. The Inspector of Police, Traffic Investigation - III Police Station, Madurai District.

... 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 return the petitioners original driving license within a time limit that may be fixed by this Honble Court and pass such further or other orders as this Honble court may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of this case and thus render justice. For Petitioner :

Mr.G.M.Xavier For R1 :

Mr.M.Senthil Ayyanar Government Advocate For R2 : Mr.K.Gnanasekaran Government Advocate 1/4

ORDER

The writ petition is filed for a mandamus directing the 1st respondent to return the petitioner's original driving license within a time limit that may be fixed by this Court.

2. According to the learned counsel for the petitioner, the petitioner did not cause any accident, however, the original license is being unauthorizedly withheld by the 1st respondent.

3. The learned Government Advocate appearing on behalf of the 2nd respondent would submit that the petitioner is a bus driver who caused an accident, and a case has been registered in Cr. No. 9 of 2026, dated 01.02.2026, on the file of the Traffic Investigation-III Police Station, Madurai District, for the alleged offences punishable under Sections 281 and 106(1) of BNS, 2023. However, unless the original license is produced before the court, the 1st respondent cannot withhold the same.

4. In reply thereof, the learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the bus mentioned in the FIR was not driven by the petitioner.

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5. In view of the fact that the criminal case is already under investigation, the respondents are directed to return the original license to the petitioner as expeditiously as possible after getting due receipt. The petitioner shall produce the same as and when required by the investigating agency.

6. The writ petition is disposed of with the above directions. No costs.

06.03.2026 Index: Yes Speaking Order: Yes rgm To

1. The Regional Transport Officer, The Regional Transport Office, Madurai South, Madurai District

2. The Inspector of Police, Traffic Investigation - III Police Station, Madurai District.

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D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

rgm 06.03.2026 4/4