BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 21.01.2026 CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR Nagendran ... Petitioner Vs

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

2. The Inspector of Police, Thondi Police Station, Sivagangai District. ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the 1st respondent to renew the petitioner's Passport in Passport No. E9082902 in reference to the File No. MD1076026044325 dated 22.12.2025, pending on the file of the 1st respondent Authorities.

For Petitioner : Mr. R.Vinodh For Respondents : Mr.M.Mithun Central Government Standing Counsel for R1 Mrs. M.Aasha Government Advocate (Crl.Side)

for R2 *****

O R D E R

The present writ petition has been filed seeking Mandamus as against the first respondent for renew the petitioner's passport based upon the petitioner's application dated 22.12.2025.

2. The learned counsel appearing for the second respondent submitted that the petitioner was implicated in a criminal case in Crime No.126/2018, which has been referred to as 'further action dropped'. She further submitted that the petitioner is implicated in another criminal case in Crime No. 307/2024 on the file of the second respondent, wherein the investigation is pending and so far, charge sheet has not been filed.

3. This Court's judgment reported in 2014 (8) MLJ 61 has categorically held that mere pendency of a criminal case is not a legal bar for renewal of passport and for considering the application seeking passport.

4. Considering the aforesaid fact, the first respondent is directed to consider the application of the petitioner for issuance of passport and pass orders within four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. With the said observations, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.

21.01.2026 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No apd To

1. The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Madurai - 625 002.

2. The Inspector of Police, Thondi Police Station, Sivagangai District.

R.VIJAYAKUMAR,J.

apd

21.01.2026