Srinivasan v. The Regional Passport Officer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 20.01.2023

CORAM

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

1.The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Tiruchirappalli, New Municipal Complex, Thillai Nagar 7th Cross, Tiruchirappalli - 620 018.

2.The Inspector of Police, K.Puduppatti Police Station, K.Puduppatti, Pudukkottai District.

... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to renew passport No.G2099644 to the petitioner by processing his application in File No.TR2074407431322 based on his explanation / representation dated 06.12.2022 within a time limit stipulated by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.E.Balasubramanian For Respondents : Mrs.L.Victoria Gowri, Deputy Solicitor General for R1.

Mr.R.Sivakumar, Govt. Advocate (Crl. Side) for R2.

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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 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. 20.01.2023 NCS : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No ias 2/4

To:- The Inspector of Police, K.Puduppatti Police Station, K.Puduppatti, Pudukkottai District.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

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