Fathima Sabarimala.A v. The Regional Passport Officer
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 13.03.2024
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN A.Fathima Sabarimala ... Petitioner Vs.
1.The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Madurai - 625 002.
2.The Inspector of Police, Kallakurichi Police Station, Kallakurichi District.
3.The Inspector of Police, Aravakurichi Police Station, Karur District.
4.The Inspector of Police, Karaikudi North Police Station, Sivagangai District.
5.The Inspector of Police, Keelakarai Police Station, Ramanathapuram District.
... Respondents 1/4
Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records of the 1st respondents impugned communication No.SCN/315806247/23 dated 22.09.2023 and quash the same directing the respondent to change of the petitioner name particular instead of "Sabarimala Alagarsamy" as "Fathima Sabarimala Alagarsamy" and change of the petitioner address "No.25, KS Nagar, Singanur Post, Opp Sub Collector Office, Tindivanam, Villupuram" as "No.146, Vedasandur, Vadamadurai, Dindigul" in her Passport No.P4213962 issued on 19.10.2016 and reissue the same by considering her application No.MD2075651948323 dated 07.08.2023. For Petitioner : Mr.I.Kalantar Aasik Ahamedu For Respondents : Mr.R.Arunja Rajan, Standing Counsel for R1.
Mr.Albert James, Govt. Advocate (Crl. Side) for R2 to R5.
ORDER
Heard both sides.
2.The petitioner is a holder of Indian passport. In the passport, the petitioner's name is mentioned as Sabarimala. Subsequently, the petitioner got converted to Islam. She is now known as A.Fathima Sabarimala. The petitioner wants name change to be effected in the passport also. Copy of the 2/4
gazette notification has been produced before this Court. The first respondent issued clarification letter since the petitioner is said to have been involved in some criminal cases.
3.The learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side) appearing for the respondent police informs the Court that they relate to petitioner's participation in public agitation. No case has been charge sheeted till date. 4.I am of the view that there is no impediment for conceding the petitioner's request. The petitioner shall appear before the first respondent on 01.04.2024 at 11.00 am and place all the relevant materials. The first respondent shall receive the same and make necessary changes in the passport and renew the petitioner's passport by incorporating the new particulars furnished by the petitioner both as regards her name and also address. 5.This writ petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. 13.03.2024 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No ias 3/4
G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.
ias To:- 1.The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Madurai - 625 002.
2.The Inspector of Police, Kallakurichi Police Station, Kallakurichi District.
3.The Inspector of Police, Aravakurichi Police Station, Karur District.
4.The Inspector of Police, Karaikudi North Police Station, Sivagangai District.
5.The Inspector of Police, Keelakarai Police Station, Ramanathapuram District.
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