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

Detailed Legal Analysis

The procedure for police verification in Dhanbad for a passport application involves a series of steps that are outlined by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Passport Seva Programme in India.

Here are the key steps involved in the police verification process for passport applications in Dhanbad:

• Application Submission: The applicant must fill out the passport application form, either online or offline, and submit it at the designated Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) in Dhanbad.
• Appointment Booking: After submitting the application, the applicant needs to schedule an appointment for document verification at the PSK. This can be done online through the Passport Seva website.
• Document Verification: On the appointment day, the applicant must present all required documents, including proof of identity, address, and date of birth. Important documents include:
• Proof of Identity (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, etc.)
• Proof of Address (Utility bills, rental agreement, etc.)
• Date of Birth Certificate (Birth certificate, school certificate, etc.)
• Police Verification Request: Once the documents are verified at the PSK, a request for police verification is sent to the respective local police station. This is done under the Passport Act, 1967, particularly Section 5, which mandates verification for national security.
• Police Verification Process: The police will conduct an inquiry and may visit the applicant's residence to verify the details provided. They will check the applicant's background and may contact references provided in the application.
• Submission of Report: After the verification is complete, the police submit a report to the Regional Passport Office (RPO). The report can be categorized as 'verified' or 'not verified' based on the findings.
• Passport Issuance: If the police report is favorable, the passport is processed for issuance. If there are any discrepancies or if the report is unfavorable, the applicant may be called for further inquiry or may face delays in passport issuance.

It is essential for applicants to ensure that all details in the application are accurate and that the necessary documents are provided to avoid delays in the verification process. The entire procedure is governed by the Passport Act, 1967, and the rules laid down in the Passport Rules, 1980.