Singaraj v. The Regional Passport Officer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 02.08.2022

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN Singaraj ... Petitioner Vs 1.The Regional Passport Officer, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Madurai.

2.The State represented by The Inspector of Police, District Crime Branch, Madurai.

... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, the first respondent to renew the petitioner's passport No.K4033952 and to issue passport vide petitioner Application No. MD1074316055722, dated 16.06.2022. For Petitioner : Mr.D.Rameshkumar For Respondents : Mr.H.Velavadhas Senior Panel Counsel for R.1 Mr.N.Ramesh Arumugam Government Advocate for R.2 1/4

ORDER

Heard the learned counsel on either side.

2.The petitioner was holding an Indian passport. He seeks renewal of the same. Since the petitioner got involved in a criminal case, the first respondent did not process the petitioner's application. It is now stated by the learned Government Advocate for the second respondent that the criminal case is pending only at the FIR stage. It has been held time and again that pendency of a criminal case at the FIR stage cannot be an impediment for processing the petitioner's request for issuance of passport. Therefore, the first respondent is directed to issue passport to the petitioner by considering the petition mentioned application subject to fulfilment of other formalities. 3.The writ petition is allowed accordingly. No costs. 02.08.2022 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No mga 2/4

To 1.The Regional Passport Officer, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Madurai.

2.The Inspector of Police, District Crime Branch, Madurai.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

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