Ravichandran v. The Regional Passport Officer
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 19.08.2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE C.SARAVANAN W .P(MD)No.16394 of 2025 Ravichandran : Petitioner Vs.
1.The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Trichy, New Municipal Complex, Thillainagar, Trichy.
2.The Inspector of Police, CBCID, Prevention of Counterfeit Currency Investigation Division, Trichy District. : 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 re-issue Passport Book to the petitioner by considering his Passport Application in Passport Book in AR No.24-1002360877, dated 19/02/2024 on the file of the 1st respondent, by considering the representation given by the petitioner, dated 20/02/2024 and to pass such further or other orders.
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For Petitioner : M/s.C.Geetha For 1st Respondent : Mr.G.Moovendran Central Government Standing Counsel For 2nd Respondent : Mr.Vaikkam Karunanidhi Government Advocate (Criminal side)
O R D E R
This writ petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the 1st respondent to re-issue Passport Book to the petitioner, by considering his Passport Application in Passport Book in AR No.24-1002360877, dated 19/02/2024 on the file of the 1st respondent, by considering the representation given by the petitioner, dated 20/02/2024.
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) appearing for the 2nd respondent.
3.The petitioner has applied for re-issuance of the Passport after the original Passport has expired, on 19/10/2019. It appears that the petitioner has filed 2/5
an application in Passport Book in AR No.24-1002360877, on 19/02/2024, however, the same has not been processed by the first respondent.
4.The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that although, the petitioner was an accused for the offence under section 489 (A, C & D) of IPC and was prosecuted in SC No.156 of 2017 before the II Additional District and Sessions Judge, Trichy, he was acquitted by that court, on 31/10/2023.
5.The learned Government Advocate (Criminal side) appearing for the second respondent would submit that the case, which was ended in acquittal against the petitioner has been referred to the State Public Prosecutor as to whether any appeal has to be filed and therefore, objects the writ petition.
6.Since, no criminal case is pending at this stage against the petitioner, there can be no impediment for processing the passport application of the petitioner in AR No.24-1002360877, dated 19/02/2024. However, it is made clear that in case the acquittal order, dated 31/10/2023 is set aside or stayed by the appellate 3/5
court on appeal against the order in SC No.156 of 2017 passed by the II Additional District and Sessions Judge, Trichy, the petitioner shall voluntarily surrender the passport to the concerned appellate court or the Jurisdictional Magistrate. In case of noncompliance, the 2nd respondent is at liberty to confiscate the same.
7.With the above direction, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.
19/08/2025 Internet :Yes/No Index :Yes/No NCC : Yes/No er To, 1.The Inspector of Police, CBCID, Prevention of Counterfeit Currency Investigation Division, Trichy District.
2.The Government Advocate, (Criminal side), Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai..
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C.SARAVANAN,J er 19/08/2025 5/5