Vignesh v. The Regional Passport Officer,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 18.03.2026

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY Vignesh ... Petitioner -vs1.The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Madurai - 625 002.

2.The Inspector of Police, Ilayangudi 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 renew the petitioner's passport based on his Application No.MD1076393180426, dated 13.02.2026, within the time that may be stipulated by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.K.Yasar Arafath For R1 : Mr.S.M.Ashok Standing Counsel

For R2 : Mr.K.Gnanasekaran Government Advocate (Criminal side)

ORDER

The writ petition is filed seeking a direction to renew the passport of the petitioner, vide Application No.MD1076393180426, dated 13.02.2026.

2. Mr.S.M.Ashok, learned Standing Counsel, taking notice on behalf of the first respondent, submitted that the passport was not renewed in view of a pending criminal case.

3. The learned Government Advocate (Criminal side), appearing on behalf of the second respondent, submitted that Crime No.177 of 2025 is pending on the file of the Ilayankudi Police Station for the offences under Sections 281 and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

4. It is settled 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 on the following terms:- (i) The first respondent is directed to renew the passport of the petitioner, vide Application No.MD1076393180426, dated 13.02.2026, notwithstanding the pending criminal case, if there is no other legal impediment. (ii) The passport shall be renewed as expeditiously as possible, and in any event, within four weeks from the date of receipt of a web copy of this order. (iii) It is made clear that if a charge sheet is filed and taken on file, the petitioner shall obtain permission from the concerned Court before travelling abroad.

No costs.

18.03.2026 smn2 To:- 1.The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Madurai - 625 002.

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

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY , J.

smn2 18.03.2026