Anbunathan v. The Regional Passport Officer

O R D E R The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus forbearing the first respondent from freezing the Petitioner's passport bearing No.AH589927 based on the Petitioner's explanation submitted on 13.1.2026.

2.It is seen from the records that the Petitioner was issued with passport on 03.11.2025 valid up to 02.11.2025, on pre-verification basis. Thereafter, the first respondent has received adverse police report as against the Writ Petitioner regarding the pendency of two criminal cases and a show-cause notice was issued on 4.12.2025.The Petitioner has submitted his explanation on 13.1.2026 apprehending that his passport might be impounded. Hence the present Writ Petition is filed.

3.The learned counsel for the Writ Petitioner submitted that the Petitioner has been falsely implicated in Crime No.21 of 2022 and Crime No.8 of 2023, on the file of the second respondent Police Station. The Petitioner has preferred Crl.O.P(MD)No.16058 of 2023 and Crl.O.P(MD)No.16086 of 2023 before the High Court and an order or interim stay has been granted for further investigation.

4.The learned Government Advocate(Crl.side)appearing for the second respondent brought to the notice of this Court that the Petitioner was implicated in three other criminal cases which has been disposed of in favour of the Writ Petitioner.

5.In view of the above, it is clear that the High Court has stayed the proceedings in Crime No.21 of 2022 and crime No.8 of 2023 pending on the file of second respondent-Police.

6.In such view of the matter, the first respondent is at liberty to proceed with the matter in accordance with law., after the disposal of Crl.O.P(MD)No.16058 o 2023 and Crl.O.P(MD)No. 16086 of 2023, pending on the file of this Court.

7.With the above observations, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.

18.02.2026 NCS : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No vsn To

1.The Regional Passport Officer, The Regional Passport Office, Tiruchirappalli, New Municipal Complex, Thillai Nagar 7th Cross, Tiruchirappalli – 620 018.

2.The Inspector of Police, District Crime Branch, Karur District. R.VIJAYAKUMAR.,J. vsn ORDER MADE IN W.P(MD)No.3261 of 2026

18.02.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED :18.02.2026 CORAM: THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR W.P(MD)No.3261 of 2026 Anbunathan ... Petitioner .Vs. 1.The Regional Passport Officer, The Regional Passport Office, Tiruchirappalli, New Municipal Complex, Thillai Nagar 7th Cross, Tiruchirappalli – 620 018. 2.The State of Tamil Nadu, represented by the Inspector of Police, District Crime Branch, Karur District. ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus forbearing the first respondent from freezing the Petitioner's passport bearing No.AH589927 based on the Petitioner's explanation submitted on 13.1.2026 in the light of the order passed in Crl.O.P(MD)No.16086 of 2023 and Crl.O.P(MD)No.21 of 2022 till the disposal of criminal case in Crime No.21 of 2022 and Crime No.8 of 2023 on the file of the second respondent, within the time stipulated by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.M.Palaniselvam For Respondent-1 : Mr.M.Devarajan Central Govt.Standing Counsel For Respondent-2 : M/s.M.Aasha Govt.Advocate(Crl.Side)