Madras High CourtWP(MD)/7431/2026disposed of

Kanagaraj v. The Regional Passport Officer

2026-03-18Honourable Mr Justice D.Bharatha Chakravarthy4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 18.03.2026

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY Kanagaraj ... Petitioner -vs1.The Regional Passport Officer, Madurai Region, Race Course Road, Madurai.

2.The Inspector of Police, Thiruvegampet Police Station, Sivagangai District.

... Respondents PRAYER:- Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the first respondent to renewal of the petitioner's passport in No.L4151766 dated 01.10.2013 based on the petitioner's application dated 06.03.2026.

For Petitioner : Mr.G.Marichamy for Mr.C.Ezhilarasu For R1 : Mr.V.Boominathan Standing Counsel For R2 : Mr.K.Gnanasekaran Government Advocate (Criminal side)

ORDER

The writ petition is filed seeking a direction to the first respondent to renew the petitioner's passport, Passport No.L4151766, based on the application dated 06.03.2026.

2. When the matter came up for hearing, the learned Standing Counsel appearing on behalf of the first respondent submitted that the passport renewal was not granted due to a pending criminal case.

3. The learned Government Advocate (Criminal side) appearing on behalf of the second respondent, submitted that Crime No.171 of 2025 is pending against the petitioner for the offences under Sections 191(2), 296(b), 126(2), and 132 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the petitioner is arrayed as the fifth accused in the said case.

4. It is settled by this Court that the mere pendency of an FIR is not a bar for renewal of a passport. In the event that a charge sheet is filed, the petitioner will be required to obtain permission from the concerned Court before travelling abroad.

5. In view of the above, the writ petition is allowed. The first respondent is directed to consider the petitioner's application dated 06.03.2026 and renew the passport as expeditiously as possible, and in any event, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a web copy of this order. No costs. 18.03.2026 smn2 To:- 1.The Regional Passport Officer, Madurai Region, Race Course Road, Madurai.

2.The Inspector of Police, Thiruvegampet Police Station, Sivagangai District.

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY , J.

smn2 18.03.2026