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

Detailed Legal Analysis

The procedure for police verification in Rourkela for passport applications involves several steps, which are essential for ensuring the applicant's identity and verifying their background as per the guidelines laid down by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Passport Act, 1967.

Here is a detailed procedure for the police verification process in Rourkela:

• Application Submission: The applicant must first submit the passport application form either online through the Passport Seva Portal or offline at the designated Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
• Document Submission: Along with the application, the applicant needs to submit necessary documents such as:
• Proof of identity (Aadhar card, voter ID, etc.)
• Proof of address (utility bills, bank statements, etc.)
• Proof of date of birth (birth certificate, school certificate, etc.)
• Fee Payment: The requisite fee must be paid at the time of application submission, which varies based on the type of passport and processing speed.
• Appointment for Verification: After submission, the applicant will receive an appointment for biometric data collection and photograph at the PSK.
• Police Verification Request: Once the biometric verification is completed, the passport application will be forwarded to the local police station for verification. This is mandated under Section 6 of the Passport Act, 1967.
• Police Verification Process: The local police will carry out the verification by:
• Visiting the applicant's residential address.
• Interviewing the applicant and neighbors.
• Cross-checking provided documents and background.
• Submission of Verification Report: The police will submit a report to the Regional Passport Office (RPO) within a stipulated time frame, usually within 21 days.
• Passport Issuance: Based on the police verification report, the RPO will decide whether to issue the passport. If there are no objections, the passport will be dispatched to the applicant's address.

In cases where the police report is negative or if there are discrepancies, the applicant may be called for a personal hearing as per Section 6(2) of the Passport Act, 1967.

It is crucial for applicants to ensure all details are accurate and all required documents are submitted to avoid delays in the verification process.