Nagai Thiruvalluvan v. The Regional Passport Officer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 29.08.2022

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN W.P(MD)No.12930 of 2020 and W.M.P.(MD)No.10944 of 2020 Nagai Thiruvalluvan ... Petitioner Vs.

The Regional Passport Officer, O/o.Regional Passport Office, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Madurai-625002, Tamil Nadu.

... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondent for reissue the passport of the petitioner bearing an Application Reference No.(ARN) 20-1003817379 dated 08.09.2020 within a time stipulated by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.T.Lajapathi Roy For Respondent : Mr.S.Paulpandi SPC 1/4

ORDER

Heard the learned counsel on either side.

2. The petitioner seeks renewal of his passport.

3. The learned Central Government Standing Counsel pointed out that a number of criminal cases have been registered against the writ petitioner. Four of them have already been charge sheeted. Therefore, the petitioner has to necessarily move the jurisdictional criminal court for obtaining relief and that this writ petition is not maintainable.

4. There is a considerable substance and force in the objection raised by the learned standing counsel. However, I take note of the fact that the writ petitioner is a public figure and social activist. He is also a qualified lawyer. The petitioner is not going to run away from the country. His place of activity is only in Tamil Nadu. Therefore, the renewal of his passport is not going to in any way prejudice public interest. However, taking note of the grievance raised by the learned standing counsel, I direct that the validity of the petitioner's passport will be limited to two years. The respondents shall process the petition mentioned application and renew the petitioner's passport subject to fulfilment of the usual formalities and limiting the validity period to two years. 2/4

5. The Writ Petition is allowed. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

29.08.2022 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No rmi 3/4

G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

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