T.Balakrishnan v. The Regional Passport Officer
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 26.08.2025
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE C. SARAVANAN T.Balakrishnan ... Petitioner Vs.
The Regional Passport Officer, External Affairs of India, Regional Passport Office, Madurai.
... Respondent Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to issue passport on the basis of the petitioner's application bearing number MD1077393755925 dated 11.02.2025 within the stipulated time period fixed by this Court.
For Petitioner : M/s.M.Viji For Respondent : Mr.T.Mahendran Central Government Standing Counsel
O R D E R
This Writ Petition is disposed of after hearing the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Standing Counsel for the respondent. Page No. 1 of 5
2. In this Writ Petition, the petitioner has sought a direction to the respondent to process Passport Application No.MD1077393755925, dated 11.02.2025, within a stipulated time frame.
3. It is noted that the petitioner was earlier issued Passport No. M4282466 on 10.12.2014, which was valid from 10.12.2014 to 09.12.2024. However, the respondent has not processed the petitioner's current passport application on the ground that there is a variance in the spelling of the petitioner's father's name between the previously issued passport and the petitioner's school certificates.
4. Specifically, the petitioner's father's name is recorded as ''Theyagarajan'' in the Secondary School Examination Mark Sheet, whereas the previously issued passport reflects the spelling as ''Thiyagarajan''. In the present application, the petitioner has adopted the spelling as reflected in the earlier passport. It is also seen that other supporting documents, such as the Aadhaar Card, carry the same spelling as that found in the previous passport.
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5. This minor variation in the spelling of the petitioner's father's name, in the absence of any substantive discrepancy should not impede the processing or issuance of a passport, particularly, when a passport was previously issued to the petitioner with the same spelling.
6. Accordingly, there shall be a direction to the respondent to process the petitioner's passport application, without raising an objection regarding the minor spelling variation in the petitioner's father's name as found in the earlier passport and the school records.
7. In view of the fact that the passport application was submitted as early as 11.02.2025, the respondent is directed to process the same and issue the passport to the petitioner as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of 30 days from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
8. The Writ Petition stands disposed of accordingly. No costs. Index : Yes / No 26.08.2025 Internet : Yes / No Speaking Order / Non-Speaking Order smn2 Page No. 3 of 5
To The Regional Passport Officer, External Affairs of India, Regional Passport Office, Madurai.
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C.SARAVANAN , J.
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