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BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT

DATED: 05.02.2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR

W.P.(MD)No.3117 of 2026

Murari Sabapathy ...Petitioner

Vs

1. The Regional Passport Officer,

The Regional Passport Office,

Madurai Bharathi Ula Street,

Race Course Road,

Madurai, Tamil Nadu - 625 002.

2. The State of Tamilnadu,

Represented by the Inspector of Police,

South Thamaraikulam Police Station,

Kanyakumari District. ...Respondents

PRAYER: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India,

to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1^st respondent to renew the

petitioner's passport within a time frame fixed by this Court.

For Petitioner : M/s.S.Ananth

For Respondents : Mr.B.Ponnupandi

Central Government Standing

Counsel for R1

M/s.M.Aasha

Government Advocate(crl.side)

for R2

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ORDER

The present writ petition has been filed seeking a mandamus directing the

first respondent to renew the petitioner's passport.

2. The learned Government Advocate(crl.side) appearing for the second

respondent brought to the notice of the Court that the petitioner has been

implicated in a criminal case in Cr.No.107 of 2022 on the file of the second

respondent police. Though charge sheet is said to have been laid on 16.12.2022

before the learned Judicial Magistrate No.3, Nagercoil, the same is yet to be

taken on file. Therefore, it is clear that as on today, the trial Court has not taken

cognizance.

3. This Court in a judgment reported in 2014 (8) MLJ 61 has held that

mere pendency of FIR is not a legal impediment for issuance of the passport.

4. Considering the above said facts, the first respondent is directed to

consider the request of the petitioner for issuance of the passport and pass

orders within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this

order.

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5. With the above said observations, this writ petition stands disposed of.

No costs.

05.02.2026

NCC : Yes/No

Index : Yes/No

Internet: Yes/No

RJR

To

1. The Regional Passport Officer,

The Regional Passport Office,

Madurai Bharathi Ula Street,

Race Course Road,

Madurai, Tamil Nadu - 625 002.

2. The Inspector of Police,

South Thamaraikulam Police Station,

Kanyakumari District.

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R.VIJAYAKUMAR , J.

RJR

W.P.(MD)No.3117 of 2026

05.02.2026

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