Asokan v. The Regional Passport Officer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 15.12.2023

CORAM

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

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

2.The Inspector of Police Othakadai 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 directing the 1/5

respondents to accept petitioner's application afresh under File No.MD1076006006923, dated 24.11.2023 and issue fresh passport to the petitioner with a time stipulated by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.P.Senguttuarasan For Respondents: Mr.K.Govindarajan - for R1 & R2 Deputy Solicitor General Mr.Albert James - for R2 Government Advocate (Crl. side)

ORDER

Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side

2. The petitioner seeks renewal of his passport. The petitioner has given an application. The petitioner apprehends that since he is involved in a minor offence, the application may not be processed.

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3. The learned Government Advocate appearing for the second respondent clarifies that the petitioner is shown as accused in Crime No.576 of 2021 registered for the offence under Sections 8 and 9 of the Tamil Nadu Gaming Act, 1930. It is too minor an offence. Involvement in such a case ought not to have come in the way of issuance of renewal of passport.

4. The first respondent is directed to renew the passport subject to fulfilment of other usual formalities. The Writ Petition is allowed. No costs.

15.12.2023 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No RM Note : Issue Order copy on 18.12.2023 3/5

To:

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

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

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

RM 15.12.2023 5/5