Manjula v. The Passport Officer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 26.07.2022

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN Mxxxx ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Tiruchirappalli Municipal, Water Tank Building, W.B. Road, Trichirappalli - 620 008.

2.The Inspector of Police, Kovilpatti East Police Station, Thoothukudi District.

... Respondents (Crime No.406 of 2017) 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 to issue a fresh passport to the petitioner by considering the petitioner's application dated 17.06.2022 bearing Application No.TR2064318089122. For Petitioner : Mr.K.Jeyamohan For Respondents : Mr.Ashok Kumar Ram, Central Govt. Standing Counsel for R1.

Mr.M.Prabhu, Addl. Government Pleader for R2 1/4

ORDER

Heard the learned counsel on either side.

2.The petitioner wants to go abroad for employment purposes. She seeks issuance of passport in her favour. Since the petitioner was involved in Crime No.406 of 2017 registered on the file of the second respondent, she apprehends that her application may not be processed. The learned Additional Government Pleader for the second respondent clarifies that the petitioner was a juvenile during the relevant time. It is also admitted that till date, the matter has not been taken on file. As per the statutory schemes governing Juvenile Justice Act, no disqualification shall attach to the juvenile found to be in conflict with law. Looked at from any angle, there cannot be any impediment for issuance of passport to the petitioner. The first respondent is therefore directed to process the petition mentioned application and issue passport to the petitioner subject to fulfilment of other usual formalities.

3.The writ petition is allowed accordingly. No costs. 26.07.2022 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No ias 2/4

Note:

The name of the petitioner to be suppressed while issuing order copy.

To:

The Inspector of Police, Kovilpatti East Police Station, Thoothukudi District.

3/4

G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

ias 26.07.2022 4/4