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

Detailed Legal Analysis

The procedure for police verification in Kanpur for a passport application involves several steps as mandated by the Passport Act, 1967 and its associated rules.

Upon submitting your passport application, the police verification process is initiated to ensure the applicant's identity and check for any criminal background. Here’s a detailed overview of the procedure:

• Application Submission: The applicant must fill out the passport application form (Form No. 1) and submit it online through the Passport Seva Portal or at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
• Payment of Fees: The requisite fees, as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, must be paid online or at designated banks.
• Appointment Scheduling: After submitting the application, the applicant must schedule an appointment for biometric data collection at the PSK.
• Biometric Data Collection: During the appointment, the applicant's biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs, will be collected.
• Verification Request: Post biometric collection, the application is forwarded to the local police station for verification. This is in accordance with Section 6 of the Passport Act, 1967, which allows the police to verify the applicant's credentials.

During the police verification:

• The police will verify the applicant’s identity and check for any criminal records or pending cases.
• The applicant may be required to provide additional documents, such as proof of residence and identity, which can include Aadhar card, voter ID, or utility bills.
• The local police station will conduct a personal verification, which may also involve visiting the applicant's residence.
• A report will be generated and sent back to the passport authority, typically within 7-15 working days.

Once the police verification is completed, the passport application is processed further. If the verification report is positive, the passport is printed and dispatched to the applicant's registered address. If there are any issues, the applicant may be notified for further clarification or may need to address any discrepancies.

This entire verification process is essential to maintain the integrity and security of the passport issuance system in India, as stipulated under the Passport Act, 1967.