The High Court of Madhya Pradesh on Thursday directed the State authorities to return original documents to a petitioner in a service-related dispute, observing that a similar matter had already been granted interim relief. The order was passed by the Indore Bench while hearing a writ petition filed by Dr. Ajay Mandloi.
The Court made it clear that the documents must be handed back within a fixed timeline, citing urgency in the matter.
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Background of the Case
The petition, registered as WP No. 6226 of 2026, was listed for admission and interim relief on February 19, 2026. Senior Advocate Shri Aditya Sanghi appeared for the petitioner through video conference, along with counsel Shri Chetan Jain. The State was represented by Government Advocate Shri Ayushyaman Choudhary.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel relied heavily on an earlier case - Writ Petition No. 44313 of 2025 - which, according to them, involved identical issues and reliefs.
It was argued that in the earlier matter, the Court had already issued notice and granted interim protection by directing the authorities to return the petitioner’s original documents along with an objection certificate, subject to the final outcome of that petition.
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Court’s Observation
After hearing both sides on admission and interim relief, the Bench noted that the present petition raised issues similar to those in the earlier writ petition.
The Court recorded that in the previous case, it had passed an interim order directing the return of original documents. Maintaining consistency in judicial orders, the Bench observed that parity should be maintained where facts and reliefs are identical.
“In order to maintain parity with the case relied upon by the petitioner,” the Court directed that respondent No. 3 must return the original documents along with the objection certificate to the petitioner on due acknowledgement .
The Court further clarified that the return of documents would remain subject to the final outcome of the present writ petition.
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Notice Issued to Respondents
The Bench also issued notice to the respondents, directing the petitioner to pay the process fee within seven working days through speed post. The notice is returnable in four weeks. The order specifically mentioned that failure to comply with this procedural requirement would result in automatic dismissal of the writ petition without further reference to the Bench .
The matter has been directed to be listed along with Writ Petition No. 44313 of 2025 for further consideration.
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Urgency and Final Direction
Taking note of the urgency highlighted by the petitioner, the Court imposed a strict deadline. The respondents have been directed to return the original documents latest by February 23, 2026 .
With this interim relief granted and notice issued, the Court adjourned the matter for further hearing.
The order was passed by Justice Jai Kumar Pillai.
Case Title: Dr. Ajay Mandloi vs The State of Madhya Pradesh & Others
Case No.: Writ Petition No. 6226 of 2026
Decision Date: 19 February 2026
