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

Detailed Legal Analysis

The procedure for police verification in Chandigarh for a passport application involves several steps, ensuring that the applicant's background is thoroughly checked for security and verification purposes.

Here is a detailed outline of the procedure:

• Submission of Passport Application:
  • The applicant must fill out the passport application form (Form No. 1) online or offline and submit it to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) in Chandigarh.
  • Documents required include proof of identity, proof of address, date of birth certificate, and any other relevant documents as specified by the Passport Authority.
• Appointment Scheduling:
  • After submission, the applicant must schedule an appointment online for the submission of the application at the PSK.
• Payment of Fees:
  • Fees must be paid as per the category of passport applied for, either online or at the PSK during the appointment.
• Personal Appearance:
  • The applicant must appear in person at the PSK for biometric data collection and verification of documents.
• Initiation of Police Verification:
  • Once the application is processed at the PSK, the passport application is forwarded to the local police station for verification.
  • The police will conduct a background check, which includes visiting the applicant’s residence, interviewing neighbors, and verifying documents.
• Police Verification Report:
  • The police station will submit their verification report to the Regional Passport Office (RPO) in Chandigarh.
  • The report may either be favorable or unfavorable depending on the findings of the police.
• Passport Issuance:
  • Upon receiving the police verification report, the RPO will make a decision regarding the issuance of the passport.
  • If everything is in order, the passport will be dispatched to the applicant’s address.

This procedure is governed under the Passport Act, 1967, particularly under Section 6, which outlines the necessity for verification of criminal records as part of the passport issuance process. The details regarding verification are further elaborated in the guidelines issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.