Jannath Beevi v. The Regional Passport Officer

O R D E R The petitioner is before this Court seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondent to accept the date of birth mentioned in the petitioner's passport bearing No. N6646033 dated 02.02.2016 and in the Aadhaar Card bearing No. 7854 5106 2236 as the correct date of birth, in terms of the circular issued by the Government of India.

¶2The petitioner was earlier issued a passport, which was valid up to 01.02.2026, wherein the date of birth is recorded as 28.10.1949. The petitioner has now applied for re-issuance of the passport. However, the respondent has called upon the petitioner to produce a birth certificate or school leaving certificate to substantiate the date of birth.

¶3Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record.

¶4The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has issued guidelines specifying the documents that may be produced for issuance of a passport. As per the said guidelines, documents such as Aadhaar Card, Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC), Service Identity Card issued by the State or Central Government, Birth Certificate issued under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, and other specified documents are acceptable for establishing the date of birth.

¶5In the present case, the petitioner has produced the Aadhaar Card, which is one of the valid documents recognized under the said guidelines. When such a document is available, insistence on production of a birth certificate or school leaving certificate, without justification, is unwarranted.

¶6In view of the above, this Court is of the opinion that the respondent is bound to consider the petitioner's application based on the documents produced, subject to verification in accordance with law.

¶7Accordingly, this writ petition is disposed of, directing the respondent to process the petitioner's application dated 02.02.2026 for re-issuance of passport without insisting upon production of a birth certificate or school leaving certificate, subject to the petitioner satisfying all other eligibility criteria.

¶8The above exercise shall be completed within a period of four

(4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

¶9No costs.

Index :Yes / No

23.03.2026 Internet :Yes / No NCC :Yes / No cmr

HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR, J.

cmr

23.03.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 23.03.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR Jannath Beevi ... Petitioner vs. The Regional Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Bharathi Ula Veethi, Race Course Road, Madurai – 625 002. ... Respondent PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondent to accept the date of birth mentioned in the Indian Passport bearing No.N6646033 issued on 02.02.2016 and the date mentioned in the Aadhar Card bearing No.7854 5106 2236 as (date of birth) correct date of birth in terms of the Circular issued by the Government of India as correct date of birth on the basis of the Notarized Affidavit filed along with the Passport Application and issued the Passport in the name of the petitioner based on the petitioner's representation dated 07.03.2026 within the time frame as fixed by this Court. For Petitioner :Mr.S.Maya Perumal For Respondent :Mr.A.Veluchamy Central Government Standing Counsel