Murari Sabapathy v. The Regional Passport Officer
Passport – Renewal – Pendency of criminal case
Case brief
What is this about?
W.P.(MD)No.3117 of 2026, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, decided 05.02.2026 by R. Vijayakumar J. Mandamus sought under Article 226 for renewal of passport despite pendency of Cr.No.107 of 2022 (South Thamaraikulam Police Station); charge sheet laid 16.12.2022 before Judicial Magistrate No.3, Nagercoil not yet taken on file; no cognizance taken by trial Court. Held: mere pendency of FIR is not a legal impediment for issuance of passport, following 2014 (8) MLJ 61; Regional Passport Officer directed to consider the request and pass orders within four weeks. Petition disposed of, no costs. Keywords: passport renewal, pendency of FIR, charge sheet, cognizance, mandamus, Regional Passport Officer.
What did the court decide?
Writ petition disposed of with a direction to the first respondent to consider the petitioner's request for issuance of the passport and pass orders within four weeks from receipt of a copy of the order; no costs.