WP(MD)/31080/2026 of P.Nallathambi Vs The Regional Transport Officer on 30 October 2026

ORDER

After submitting representation dated 22.10.2026 seeking return of the original driving licence, the petitioner has instituted the present Writ Petition.

2. Mr.A.Sivasubramaniam, learned Additional Government Pleader, accepts notice for the first and second respondents. Mr.R.Mohamed Riyaz, learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side), accepts notice for the third respondent.

3. Learned Additional Government Pleader for the first and second respondents has handed over a copy of the order dated 01.10.2026 in W.P. (MD) No.28551 of 2026. In said order, the Court cited P.Sethuraman v. The Licensing Authority, Dindigul, [2010] WLR 100 and G.Balaji v. The Regional Transport Officer, Dindigul and another, in W.P.(MD) No.11472 of 2024, dated 04.06.2024, wherein it was 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,

WP(MD) No. 31080 of 2026 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).

4. On 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.

5. On 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.

6. Considering 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.”

4. In view of the consistent position taken in similar cases, this Writ Petition is disposed of in terms of the above order. Learned Additional Government Pleader for the first and second respondents has also handed over a copy of the show cause-cum-hearing notice issued in October 2026 calling upon the petitioner to show cause as to why his driving licence should not be disqualified. The petitioner shall reply to said show cause

WP(MD) No. 31080 of 2026 notice and participate in proceedings relating thereto. There shall be no order as to costs. 30-10-2026 Index: No Speaking Neutral Citation: No JEN To

1. The Regional Transport Officer, The Regional Transport Office, Karur.

2. The Motor Vehicle Inspector Grade-I, Branch Office of the Motor Vehicle Inspector, Kulithalai, Karur District

3. The Inspector of Police, Thogamalai Police Station, Karur District.

WP(MD) No. 31080 of 2026 SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY, J. JEN WP(MD) No. 31080 of 2026 30-10-2026