The Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the Regional Passport Officer (RPO) in Chennai to consider and dispose of within four weeks the representation submitted by Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) leader S. Seeman for the reissuance of his passport.
Justice N. Anand Venkatesh issued the directive while disposing of a writ petition filed by Seeman, who sought a direction to the passport authorities to re-issue his passport for a period of ten years.
In his petition, Seeman stated that he discovered his passport was missing in September 2024 when he planned travel to neighbouring countries. Despite serious efforts, he was unable to trace it. Subsequently, he lodged a complaint with the Neelankarai Police and applied to the RPO for a reissued passport.
Seeman appeared before the RPO in person on November 25, 2024, and provided a detailed explanation for the loss. However, by a communication dated January 31, 2025, the RPO declined to reissue the passport, citing the pendency of criminal cases against him.
The NTK leader, in his submission, contended that he responded to the RPO’s notice on May 23, 2025, asserting that he was not facing any disqualification or serious criminal allegations that would justify denial of a passport. He further claimed the pending cases were politically motivated and intended to suppress his dissenting voice against the ruling establishment.
Despite his clarification, Seeman alleged that his representation was not duly considered, prompting him to approach the court.
Disposing of the plea, Justice Venkatesh directed the RPO to consider the representation afresh and take a decision within a period of four weeks.
