Madras High CourtWP(MD)/15397/2023disposed of

Aravinth v. The Regional Passport Officer

2023-11-22Honourable Mr Justice G.R.Swaminathan4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 22.11.2023

CORAM

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

1.The Regional Passport Officer, The Regional Passport Office, Tiruchirappalli, Municipal Water Tank Building, Trichy.

2.The Superintendent of Police, Thanjavur District, Thanjavur.

3.The Inspector of Police, Madukkur Police Station, Thanjavur District.

... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to reissue or renew the petitioner's passport No.P0938540 issued by the 1st respondent based on the petitioner's renewal application in Ref.No.21-1002291405 dated 01.04.2021 and considering the 1/4

petitioner's representation dated 28.07.2022 within the time stipulated by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.D.R.Murugesan For Respondents : Mr.H.Velavadhas, Central Govt. Standing Counsel for R1.

Mr.A.Albert James, Government Advocate for R2 & R3.

ORDER

Heard both sides.

2.The petitioner is holder of an Indian passport. The passport was issued in the year 2016. Since one of the pages in the passport was found to have been tampered, it was cancelled in the year 2020. The petitioner thereafter applied for issuance of a fresh passport. The passport authority asked for report from the second respondent. Since it was not forthcoming, the petitioner's application was also not processed. That led to the filing of this writ petition.

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3.In the case of this nature, I fail to understand what reply the police can give to the first respondent. The first respondent is directed to hold an enquiry in this regard. The petitioner shall appear before the first respondent on 04.12.2023 at 04.00 pm. If the first respondent is satisfied that the passport has not been misused, a fresh passport shall be issued to the petitioner subject to fulfilment of other usual formalities. 4.This writ petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. 22.11.2023 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No ias To:- 1.The Superintendent of Police, Thanjavur District, Thanjavur.

2.The Inspector of Police, Madukkur Police Station, Thanjavur District.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

ias 22.11.2023 4/4