Madras High CourtWP(MD)/13790/2025disposed of

Sameer v. The Regional Passport Officer

2025-08-19Honourable Mr Justice C. Saravanan5 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 19.08.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE C.SARAVANAN W .P(MD)No.13790 of 2025 Sameer : Petitioner Vs.

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

2.The Inspector of Police, Vilathikulam Police Station, Thoothukudi District.

In Crime No.14 of 2024 : Respondents PRAYER:Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to renew passport to the petitioner, vide Passport Application File No.MD2077447191725 and pass such further or other orders.

For Petitioner : Mr.Seenisulthan For 1st Respondent : Mr.A.Devarajan Central Government Standing Counsel For 2nd Respondent : Mr.Vaikam Karunanidhi Government Advocate (Criminal side) 1/5

O R D E R

This writ petition has been filed for directing the 1st respondent to renew passport to the petitioner, vide Passport Application File No.MD2077447191725. 2.Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned Standing Counsel appearing for the 1st respondent as well as the learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side), who takes notice on behalf of the 2nd respondent.

3.The petitioner is an accused in Crime No.14 of 2024 on the file of the second respondent police for the offences punishable under sections 294(b), 342, 323 and 506(i) IPC.

4.It is informed that the case is pending before the Judicial Magistrate No.1, Vilathikulam, in Tuticorin District and charge sheet has been filed on 05/12/2024.

5.Although pendency of such cases before the court would bar the renewal of the passport of the 2/5

petitioner, a Division Bench of this Court in Regional Passport Officer, Chennai Vs. Samsudeen Mohamed Salih and another [W.A No.902 of 2023, dated 02/06/2023 has taken a contra view. In this connection, Ministry of External Affairs, has also issued certain guidelines. 6.Considering the same, there shall be a direction to the first respondent to consider the passport application of the petitioner and renew the same within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. However, the petitioner shall voluntarily surrender the passport to the concerned court and thereafter, file a suitable application to retrieve the same. In case, the petitioner failed to comply the conditions stipulated, the first respondent is at liberty to seize the same.

7.With the above said direction, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.

19/08/2025 Internet :Yes/No Index :Yes/No NCC : Yes/No er 3/5

To, 1.The Inspector of Police, Vilathikulam Police Station, Thoothukudi District.

2.The Government Advocate, (Criminal side), Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.

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