Dharani Rathinam Murugesan v. The Regional Passport Officer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 10.06.2024

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN Dharani Rathinam Murugesan ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Regional Passport Officer, Office of the Regional Passport Office, Bharathi Ula Veedhi, Race Course Road, Madurai-625 002.

2.The Inspector of Police, Kenikarai Police Station, Ramanathapuram District.

... 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 1st respondent herein to issue the renewed passport bearing passport No. M.5924276 in the name of DHARANI RATHINAM MURUGESAN only based on the representation given by the petitioner dated 08.03.2024 within the time stipulated by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.V.Selvakumar For Respondent : Mr.V.Malaiyendiran CGSC for R1 : Mr.A.Albert James Government Advocate (Crl.side) for R2 1/4

ORDER

Heard both sides.

2. The petitioner has changed his name as Dharani Rathinam Murugesan. The petitioner wants new name to be incorporated in the passport. It is for this reason he wants re-issuance along with the name change. Copy of the gazette publication has been enclosed in the typed set of papers.

3. The learned standing counsel for R1 states that the petitioner must produce some other document wherein the name change has been incorporated.

4. I am of the view that such insistence is not in order. Based on the gazette change, the petitioner wants the change to be reflected in his passport first. It may not be appropriate to insist on production of other documents such as Aadhar etc where the name change has been effected. In fact, in Aadhar, the petitioner's name has already been changed. I fail to understand as to why there is an insistence on one more document. Gazette publication is sufficient. The first respondent is directed to comply with the request made by the petitioner. While re-issuing the passport, the name change as sought for by the petitioner shall be incorporated.

5. The Writ Petition is allowed. No costs.

10.06.2024 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No rmi 2/4

To The Inspector of Police, Kenikarai Police Station, Ramanathapuram District.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

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