What is the procedure for police verification in Bokaro for passport application?

Detailed Legal Analysis

The procedure for police verification in Bokaro for a passport application involves several key steps mandated by the Passport Act, 1967 and the Passport (Entry into Service) Rules, 1980.

When applying for a passport in India, police verification is a crucial step to ensure the applicant's identity and background. This procedure typically follows the submission of the passport application and is conducted by local police authorities. Here are the main steps involved:

• Application Submission: The applicant must first submit the passport application either online through the Passport Seva Portal or offline at the designated Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
• Payment of Fees: The applicant should pay the requisite fees for the passport application as specified in the Passport Rules and obtain a receipt.
• Appointment for Passport Verification: After submitting the application, the applicant will be allotted a date and time for police verification, which can be tracked through the Passport Seva Portal.
• Police Verification Process:
  • The local police station will receive the request for verification from the passport authority.
  • Police officials will visit the applicant’s residence to verify the provided information, including identity, address, and any criminal record.
  • The applicant may need to provide additional documents to the police, such as identity proof, address proof, and any other relevant certificates.
• Submission of Verification Report: After completing the verification, the police will submit their report to the passport authority. This report may take a few days to be processed.
• Passport Processing: Once the verification report is received, the passport authority will process the application. If the report is clear, the passport will be issued; in case of any discrepancies, the applicant may be called for further clarification.

It is important to note that the police verification process is governed under Section 6 of the Passport Act, 1967, which empowers the government to make rules regarding the issuance of passports. Additionally, the verification process aims to ensure public safety and security, thereby necessitating thorough checks.

In case of any issues during the verification process, applicants can contact the concerned police station or the Regional Passport Office (RPO) for assistance.