Madras High CourtWP(MD)/5855/2026disposed of

Abimanyu v. The Regional Passport Officer

2026-03-04Honourable Mr.Justice Hemant Chandangoudar4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 04.03.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR Abimanyu ... Petitioner vs.

1.The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Bharathi Ula Street, Race Course Colony, Madurai.

2.The Inspector of Police, Thenkarai Police Station, Theni District.

... Respondent PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, to direct the 1st Respondent to issue the Passport to the petitioner by considering the Application in File Number is MD1065058061925 dated 20.05.2025 by considering the petitioner's representation dated 20.08.2025 within the time stipulated by this Court.

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For Petitioner :Mr.S.Vijayakumar For R1 :Mr.P.Santhoshkumar Central Govt. Standing Counsel For R2 :Mr.Vaikkam Karunanidhi Government Advocate (Crl.side) *****

O R D E R

The petitioner is before this Court seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the first respondent to issue a passport to the petitioner based on the application bearing File No. MD1065058061925 dated 20.05.2025.

2. Mr. P. Santhoshkumar, learned Central Government Standing Counsel, who accepts notice on behalf of the first respondent, on instructions, submitted that an FIR has been registered against the petitioner and therefore the application submitted by the petitioner has not yet been processed.

3. Mr. Vaikkam Karunanidhi, learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side), who accepts notice on behalf of the second respondent, on instructions, submitted that the FIR is still under investigation and the charge sheet has not yet been filed.

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4. Passport can be denied only if a criminal case is pending before a Criminal Court in India, as contemplated under Section 6(2)(f) of the Passports Act, 1967. Mere registration of an FIR is not a bar for issuance of a passport.

5. In view of the above, the Writ Petition stands disposed of directing the first respondent to consider the petitioner's application bearing File No. MD1065058061925 dated 20.05.2025 and issue a passport to the petitioner, subject to the petitioner satisfying all other eligibility criteria. The said exercise shall be completed within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs. Index :Yes / No 04.03.2026 Internet :Yes / No NCC :Yes / No cmr To The Inspector of Police, Thenkarai Police Station, Theni District.

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HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR, J.

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