P.Sanjeevi v. The Regional Transport Officer (R.T.O)

ORDER This writ petition has been filed for a mandamus directing the 1 and 2 to return the petitioner's original Driving Licence bearing No. TN4820020000931 forthwith.

¶2Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, the learned Special Government Pleader, the learned Government Advocate and the learned counsel for the respondents. By consent of both sides, the writ petition itself is taken up for final disposal at the stage of admission itself.

3.The petitioner is the Driver of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Limited and the vehicle driven by the petitioner met with an accident on 31.12.2025. Hence, an FIR was registered at Thuraiyur Police Station in Crime No.2 of 2026 and the second respondent seized the petitioner's driving license and handed over the same to the first respondent. The respondents, without any authority, have impounded the driving license of the petitioner. Though the petitioner has made a representation to the respondents 1 and 2 on 05.01.2026 seeking return of the driving license, the said representation has not been considered till date. Hence, the petitioner has approached this Court.

4.The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that there is no provision under law to seize and retain the petitioner's driving license either the first respondent or the second respondent. Unless the driving license is returned, the petitioner's livelihood will be adversely affected.

5.The learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the first respondent and the learned Government Advocate (crl.side) appearing for the second respondent strongly opposed for returning the driving license stating that the petitioner drove the vehicle in a rash and negligent manner, which resulted in the accident.

6.I have heard the submissions on either side and perused the materials available on record.

7.Considering the submission made by the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner as well as the respondents, once an accident has occurred, neither the first respondent nor the second respondent has any power to collect the driving license and withhold the same. The first respondent may cancel or suspend the driving license under certain circumstances prescribed under law and otherwise, there is no question of retaining the driving license by either the first respondent or second respondent. Hence, this Court is of the view that without any authority, the respondents cannot retain the driving license and are bound to return the same to the petitioner. Accordingly, the first respondent is directed to return the petitioner's driving license, taking into consideration the representation of the petitioner dated 05.01.2026 within a period of one week from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

8.With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.

17.02.2026 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No RR To

¶1The Regional Transport Officer,(R.T.O), Regional Transport Office, Thuraiyur, Tiruchirappalli District..

¶2The Inspector of Police, Thuraiyur Police Station, Thuraiyur, Tiruchirappalli District.. KRISHNAN RAMASAMY, J RR ORDER IN WP(MD) No.4362 of 2026 Date : 17.02.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Date : 17/02/2026 CORAM The Hon`ble Mr.Justice KRISHNAN RAMASAMY P.Sanjeevi ... Petitioner Vs 1. The Regional Transport Officer,(R.T.O), Regional Transport Office, Thuraiyur, Tiruchirappalli District.. 2. The Inspector of Police, Thuraiyur Police Station, Thuraiyur, Tiruchirappalli District.. 3. The General Manager, Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation (Kumba) Ltd, Periyamilaguparai, Trichy Region, Tiruchirappalli District.. ... Respondents PRAYER :- Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 1 and 2 to return the petitioners original Driving Licence bearing No. TN4820020000931 forthwith. For Petitioners : Mr.N.Sudhagar Nagaraj For Respondents : Mr.K.Balasubramani for R1 Spl. Government Pleader Mr.A.Albert James for R2 Government Advocate (Crl. Side) Mr.K.Ramaiah for R3