Seethalakshmi v. The Regional Passport Officer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 12.08.2022

CORAM

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

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

2.The Inspector of Police, Pearaiyur Police Station, Madurai District.

... Respondents 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 renew/re-issue the Passport to the petitioner in passport No.P4140799 for a period of 10 years pursuant to the petitioner's application No.22-1005907121 dated 31.05.2022 pending before the respondent No.1 in accordance with law within the time stipulated by this Court.

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For Petitioner : Mr.J.Alexander For Respondents : Mrs.L.Victoria Gowri, Asst. Solicitor General for R1.

Mr.M.Prakash, Addl. Government Pleader for R2.

ORDER

Heard the learned counsel on either side.

2.The petitioner was holding an Indian passport. She 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 Additional Government Pleader 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 reissue 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. 12.08.2022 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No ias 2/4

To:- The Inspector of Police, Pearaiyur Police Station, Madurai District.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

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