Sankar v. The Passport Officer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 02.08.2024

CORAM

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

1.The Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Madurai-625 002.

2.The Inspector of Police, Bodinayakkanur Town, Theni District.

(Crime No.146/2021) ... 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/reissue passport to the writ petitioner by considering the writ petitioner's Application File No. MD1076746656524, dated 12.07.2024 without referring to the pendency of STC.No. 536 of 2024 on the file of learned Judicial Magistrate Bodinayakkanur forthwith.

For Petitioner : Mr.M.Janani Priya For Respondents : Mr.B.Narayan Ram CGSC for R1 1/3

: Mr.A.Albert James Government Advocate (Crl.side) for R2

ORDER

Heard both sides.

2.The petitioner seeks reissuance of his passport. It is true that the petitioner is involved in a criminal case which has been taken on file on S.T.C.No.536 of 2024 on the file of the Judicial Magistrate, Bodinayakanur. This only pertains to an election issue. It is not an serious offence.

3. Taking into account the overall facts and circumstances, I direct the first respondent to process the petitioner's application and issue passport to the petitioner subject to fulfilment of other usual formalities.

4. The Writ Petition is allowed. No costs.

02.08.2024 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No rmi NOTE:Issue Order Copy on 07.08.2024 To 1.The Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Madurai-625 002.

2.The Inspector of Police, Bodinayakkanur Town, Theni District.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

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