Madras High CourtWP(MD)/10469/2025disposed of

C.Shanmugam v. The Regional Passport Office

2025-07-08Honourable Mr Justice C. Saravanan4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 08.07.2025

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE C. SARAVANAN C.Shanmugam ... Petitioner Vs.

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

2.The Sub-Inspector of Police, Airport Police Station, Trichy City.

... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the first respondent to direct the second respondent to return the petitioner's original Passport No.W4594172 and permit him to travel to Muscat, Oman for employment, pending disposal of the Crime No.72 of 2025 dated 20.02.2025 on the file of the second respondent police by considering his representation dated 03.04.2025, within the period stipulated by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.A.Haja Mohideen Page No. 1 of 4

For R1 : Mr.B.Satheesh Kumar Central Government Standing Counsel For R2 : Mr.K.Sanjai Gandhi Government Advocate (Criminal Side)

O R D E R

The petitioner has filed this Writ Petition for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the first respondent to direct the second respondent to return the petitioner's original Passport No.W4594172 and permit him to travel to Muscat, Oman for employment, pending disposal of Crime No.72 of 2025 dated 20.02.2025, on the file of the second respondent police, by considering his representation dated 03.04.2025, within the time frame stipulated by this Court.

2. It is informed by the learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the second respondent police that the petitioner's passport was seized and handed over to the learned Judicial Magistrate No.VI, Tiruchirapalli, on 21.02.2025, in connection with the petitioner's involvement in Crime No.72 of 2025 dated 20.02.2025, for the alleged offences punishable under Sections 336(3) and 340(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 12(1)(b) of the Passport Act, 1967. Page No. 2 of 4

3. Since no charge sheet has been filed and the passport has been handed over to the aforesaid Judicial Magistrate Court, the petitioner is directed to file a suitable application before the learned Judicial Magistrate No.VI, Tiruchirappalli, to retrieve the same. If such an application is filed, the same shall be considered on merits, and appropriate orders shall be passed by the learned Judicial Magistrate for the release of the passport, as expeditiously as possible.

4. Accordingly, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. 08.07.2025 JEN Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No Speaking Order / Non-Speaking Order To 1.The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Madurai 625 002.

2.The Sub-Inspector of Police, Airport Police Station, Trichy City.

Page No. 3 of 4

C.SARAVANAN , J.

JEN 08.07.2025 Page No. 4 of 4