Madras High CourtWP(MD)/5603/2026disposed of

Muthu Chelvam v. The Government Of India

2026-02-27Honourable Mr Justice R.Vijayakumar4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 27.02.2026

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR W.P(MD)No.5603 of 2026 Muthu Chelvam ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs, Regional Passport Officer, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Madurai - 625 002.

2. The Inspector of Police, Devakottai Taluk Police Station, Sivagangai 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 first respondent to process the application of the petitioner vide Application No.MD1076211665126, dated 09.01.2026, for issuance of passport and consequently direct the first respondent to renew the passport to the petitioner within the time fixed by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.S.Packiya Muthu 1/4

For R1 : Mr.K.Sankararaman Central Government Standing Counsel For R2 : M/s.M.Aasha Government Advocate (Criminal Side)

O R D E R

The present writ petition has been filed seeking a Mandamus directing the first respondent to process the petitioner's passport application dated 09.01.2026.

2. The learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the second respondent brought to the notice of this Court that the petitioner has been implicated in a criminal case in Crime No.145 of 2025, on the file of the second respondent police station. However, so far, investigation has not been completed and the charge sheet has not been filed.

3. This Court in a judgment reported in 2014 8 MLJ 61 (Mr.W.Jaihar Willam Vs.the State of Tamil Nadu) has held that mere pendency of FIR would not be a legal impediment for issuance of passport. 2/4

4. In view of the above said facts, the first respondent is directed to consider the application of the writ petitioner for renewal of passport and pass orders within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. With the above said observation, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

27.02.2026 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No ebsi To 1.The Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs, Regional Passport Officer, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Madurai - 625 002.

2. The Inspector of Police, Devakottai Taluk Police Station, Sivagangai District.

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R.VIJAYAKUMAR,J.

ebsi W.P(MD)No.5603 of 2026 27.02.2026 4/4