Arul Ditto Prabhu v. The Regional Passport Officer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENGH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 18.12.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR W.P.(MD)No.36334 of 2025 Arul Ditto Prabhu ... Petitioner Vs 1.The Regional Passport officer, Regional passport office, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Maduari - 625 002.

2.The Inspector of Police, Rameswaram Town Police Station, Ramanathapuram District.

... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st Respondent to issue the fresh passport to the petitioner by considering petitioner's application taken on file as File No.MD1065562395825, dated 29.08.2025 within the time that may by stipulated by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.K.Yasar Arafath For Respondents : Mr.Murugan CGSC for R1 Mrs. M.Aasha Govt. Advocate (Crl. Side) for R2 1/4

O R D E R

The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking a Mandamus as against the first respondent to issue passport based upon the application dated 29.08.2025.

2. By consent, this Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

3.The learned counsel appearing for the second respondent brought to the notice of this Court that the petitioner has implicated in a criminal case in Crime No.119 of 2025, on the file of Rameswaram Town Police Station, Ramanathapuram District. Investigation has been completed and charge sheet is made ready. So far charge sheet has not been laid.

4. This Court in a judgment reported in (2014) 8 MLJ 61 [Jaihar Williams Vs. State of Tamil Nadu, represented by its Secretary to Government, Home Department, Fort St. George, Chennai], has categorically held that mere pendency of a FIR will not be a legal 2/4

impediment for issuance of passport. However, if charge sheet is laid, the petitioner has to surrender himself before the concerned Court and seek permission of the Court to go abroad.

4. In view of the fact that so far charge sheet has not been filed, the first respondent is directed to consider the request of the petitioner for issuance of passport and pass orders within a period of four

(4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. With the above direction, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. 18.12.2025 vsm Index : Yes/No NCC : Yes/No 3/4

R.VIJAYAKUMAR, J.

vsm To 1.The Regional Passport officer, Regional passport office, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Maduari - 625 002.

2.The Inspector of Police, Rameswaram Town Police Station, Ramanathapuram District.

W.P.(MD)No.36334 of 2025 18.12.2025 4/4