IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 11-03-2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI

1. Minor Dhrishith Rep by mother and natural Guardian P.Sivabharathi D/o.Pitchai Petitioner(s)

Vs

1. The Government Of India Rep by its secretary Ministry of external affairs Sri Lakshmi Narain SO(DB) 74B, south Block New Delhi-110 011

2.The Regional Passport officer Regional passport office No.158, 2nd and 3rd floor Rayala towers, Anna salai Chennai-600 002 Respondent(s) PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, directing the respondents to issue a passport to the petitioner on his application in File No.MA3065995402325 dated 21.11.2025 without insisting for the consent from the petitioner's father For Petitioner(s): Mr.M.R.Thangavel For Respondent: Mr.S.Nelson, Central Government Standing Counsel

ORDER

By consent of both parties, this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

2. This petition has been filed for a direction, directing the respondents to issue a passport to the petitioner on his application in File No.MA3065995402325 dated 21.11.2025 without insisting for the consent from the petitioner's father

3. It is the case of the petitioner's mother that she had married one Thandapani during the year 2012 and they have begotten the minor petitioner on 24.09.2018. Due to estranged relationship, divorce petition was filed in HMOP.No.182 of 2021 on the file of the learned Principal Sub Judge, Dindigul which resulted in decree of divorce on 08.04.2024. It is the grievance of the petitioner's mother that when she applied for passport for her minor child on 21.11.2025, however, the same was not processed on the ground that there was no finding with regard to the custody of the child in the divorce decree, hence, insisting for consent from her husband. Hence, the petitioner has come up with this writ petition.

4. The learned counsel for the respondents submitted that the minor petitioner's application dated 21.11.2025 will be considered and appropriate orders will be passed within a reasonable time as fixed by this Court.

5. Heard both sides and perused the materials placed on record.

Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court without going into the merits of the case directs the respondents to consider the application of the petitioner dated 21.11.2025 and pass appropriate order on merits and in accordance with law within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this Order.

6. Accordingly, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.

11-03-2026 dhk Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes Neutral Citation:Yes/No M.DHANDAPANI J.

dhk To

1.The Secretary The Government Of India Ministry of external affairs Sri Lakshmi Narain SO(DB) 74B, south Block New delhi-110 011

2.The Regional Passport officer Regional passport office No.158, 2nd and 3rd floor Rayala towers, Anna salai Chennai-600 002

11-03-2026