PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, to direct the 1st respondent to issue a passport to the petitioner by considering the Application in file No.TR2066484884726 dated 03.03.2026 within the time limit stipulated by this Court.

O R D E R

1. The petitioner is before this Court seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the first respondent to issue a passport based upon his application in File No. TR2066484884726 dated 03.03.2026.

2. The grievance of the petitioner is that, though an application has been submitted for issuance of a fresh passport, the same has not been processed by the first respondent. According to the petitioner, the application has been kept pending on the ground that a criminal case has been registered against him.

3. Mr. R.Mohamed Riyaz, learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the second respondent, on instructions, submitted that a criminal case has been registered against the petitioner in Cr.No.160 of 2022.

4. Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record.

5. The refusal to issue or renew a passport is governed by