R.Patturaja v. The Regional Transport Officer

ORDER The petitioner is before this Court for a Writ of Mandamus to direct the first respondent to return the original driving licence of the petitioner.

¶2The petitioner is an employee of the State Transport Corporation, who was involved in an accident on 15.06.2026. Immediately after the accident, an FIR has been registered and the driving licence of the petitioner has been seized.

¶3The issue is covered by the decision of this Court in P.Sethuraman Vs. The Licensing Authority, Dindigul reported in [2010] WLR 100. This Court has also passed several orders including in the case G.Balraj vs. The Regional Transport Officer, Dindigul and another in W.P.(MD) No.11472 of 2024 (decided on 04.06.2024), wherein it has held as under: "3. The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the respondent is the authority to seize the licence in terms of the decision of the Division Bench of this Court in P.Sethuraman Vs. The Licensing Authority, Dindigul reported in [2010] WLR 100, which has been followed by this Court in several cases including in the case G.Ravi vs. The Regional Transport Officer, Dindigul and another in W.P.(MD) No.9525 of 2024 (decided on

17.04.2024).

¶4On the other hand, the learned Special Government Pleader for the first respondent would submit that the first respondent has issued show cause notice dated 29.05.2024 and the petitioner has been called upon to respond the same and would further submit that this Writ Petition may be dismissed by directing the petitioner to reply the show cause notice.

¶5On the other hand, the learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the show cause notice is undated and that no time has been specified in the show cause notice for giving a reply.

¶6Considering the fact that the issue is covered against the respondents, the respondents are directed to return the original driving licence forthwith and also complete the proceedings as expeditiously as possible preferably within a period of 15 days from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. This Writ Petition is disposed of, with above directions. No costs."

¶4Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed of in terms of above order. No costs. Index : Yes / No

17.07.2026 Internet : Yes / No apd To

¶1The Regional Transport Officer, Ramanathapuram, Ramanathapuram District.

¶2The Inspector of Police, Devipattinam, Ramanathapuram District.

C.SARAVANAN, J.

apd

17.07.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 17.07.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C.SARAVANAN R.Patturaja ... Petitioner Vs. 1. The Regional Transport Officer, Ramanathapuram, Ramanathapuram District. 2. The Inspector of Police, Devipattinam, Ramanathapuram District. ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the first respondent to return the original driving licence no. TN69 20080002980 of the petitioner to him forthwith. For petitioner : Mr. A.Balaji For R1 : M/s.P.Sudarkodi Natchiyar Counsel for State of TN For R2 : Mr.P.Vetrivel Government Advocate (Crl.Side) *****