K.Pandi v. The Licensing Authority
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated: 21.04.2026
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY K.Pandi ... Petitioner Vs.
1. The Licensing Authority, Regional Transport Office, Mohammad Shahibpuram Post, Rajapalayam Road, Srivilliputhur - 626 110, Virudhunagar District.
2. The Inspector of Police, Rajapalayam North Police Station, Virudhunagar District - 626 117.
3. The Branch Manager, T.Kallupatti Branch, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, (Madurai) Ltd., Madurai Region, Madurai.
...Respondents
Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus direct the respondents 1 and 2 to return the petitioners original driving licence bearing DL DL.No. TN 55 19980000005 forthwith to the petitioner as enable to join
the duty before the 3rd respondent corporation, within the time stipulated by this Court and pass such other or further orders as this Honble Court may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of this case and thus render justice.
For Petitioner :Mr.A.Mu.Sharavanan For R1 :Mr.M.Lingadurai Special Government Pleader For R2 :Mr.K.Gnanasekaran Government Advocate (Crl.Side) For R3 :Mr.P.F.Ferlin Castro TNSTC
ORDER
The writ petition is filed for a mandamus directing the respondents 1 and 2 to return the petitioners original driving license bearing DL DL.No. TN 55 19980000005 forthwith to the petitioner.
2. Heard Mr.A.Mu.Sharavanan, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, Mr.M.Lingadurai, learned Special Government Pleader, who takes notice on behalf of R1, Mr.K.Gnana Sekaran, learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side), who takes notice on behalf of R2 and Mr.P.F.Ferlin Castro, learned TNSTC takes notice on behalf of R3.
3. Upon hearing the learned counsel for the petitioner and perusing the material records of the case, it is the grievance of the petitioner that he is employed as a driver in the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and his driving license has been retained by the 3rd respondent.
4. When the matter came up for hearing, learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the 1st respondent would submit that the petitioner was involved in an accident, in respect of which a case has already been registered in Crime No.153 of 2026 for the alleged offences under Sections 281 and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
5. With regard to the formal enquiry to be conducted by respondents 1 and 2, the driving license has been retained. Upon completion of the enquiry, the original license will be handed over to the petitioner. The said enquiry will be completed within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a web copy of this order.
6. In view of the aforesaid submission, respondents 1 and 2 are directed to complete the enquiry within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a web copy of this order and thereafter, hand over the license to the petitioner.
7. The writ petition is disposed of with the above directions and observations. No costs.
21.04.2026 Index: Yes Speaking Order: Yes rgm
To
1. The Licensing Authority, Regional Transport Office, Mohammad Shahibpuram Post, Rajapalayam Road, Srivilliputhur - 626 110, Virudhunagar District.
2. The Inspector of Police, Rajapalayam North Police Station, Virudhunagar District - 626 117.
3. The Branch Manager, T.Kallupatti Branch, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, (Madurai) Ltd., Madurai Region, Madurai.
D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY , J.
rgm 21.04.2026