ORAL ORDER

The petitioner is before this Court seeking the following prayers:

"a) Issue a Writ in the nature of Mandamus Directing the Respondent No.2 to renew the Passport bearing No.M2570096 dt.15/11/1982 vide ANNEXURE-E issued at Bangalore, and ;

b) To pass such other orders or in the interest of justice and equity."

2. Heard Shri Sanjana G.L., learned counsel for Shri Muzaffar Ahmed, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner; Shri Mohammed Jaffar Shah, learned Additional Government Advocate appearing for respondent No.1 and Smt. Reshma Thammayya, learned Central Government Counsel appearing for respondents No.2 and 3.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that there is impending urgency, as the petitioner has to travel to Mecca.

4. Smt. Reshma Thammiah, learned Central Government Counsel submits that trial is pending in C.C.No.3952/2023 and therefore, would not become entitle to grant of a regular validity passport.

5. This Court in the case of SANTHOSH BEEJADI SRINIVASA Vs. UNION OF INDIA & Ors. in W.P.No.24269/2023 disposed on 04.12.2023 has held as follows:

"5. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would contend that it is not for the first time t