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

Detailed Legal Analysis

The procedure for police verification in Shillong for a passport application involves several systematic steps that ensure the identity and background of the applicant are thoroughly checked. This process is governed primarily by the Passport Act, 1967, and the rules laid down by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Here are the steps involved in the police verification process:

• 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).
• Appointment Scheduling: After submitting the application, the applicant must schedule an appointment for document verification at the PSK. This can be done online on the Passport Seva Portal.
• Document Submission: At the PSK, the applicant must present the required documents, which typically include:
  • Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, voter ID, etc.)
  • Proof of address (utility bills, bank statements, etc.)
  • Birth certificate or equivalent proof of date of birth
• Payment of Fees: The applicant needs to pay the applicable passport application fee, which varies depending on the type of passport (normal or tatkal) and the number of pages.
• Police Verification Initiation: Post the document verification at the PSK, the application is sent to the local police station for verification. This is in accordance with the Passport Rules, 1980, particularly Rule 8, which mandates police verification for certain categories of applicants.
• Police Verification Process: The local police will conduct the verification by:
  • Visiting the applicant's residence
  • Interviewing the applicant and neighbors
  • Verifying the authenticity of the documents provided
• Submission of Verification Report: After completing the verification, the police will submit their report to the Regional Passport Office (RPO). The report will indicate whether the applicant is suitable to receive a passport.
• Passport Issuance: Upon successful verification and clearance from the police, the passport will be processed and dispatched to the applicant. If there are any discrepancies or issues, the applicant may be called for further clarification.

It is important for applicants in Shillong to understand that the police verification process can take several days to weeks, and maintaining clear communication with the local police station can expedite the process. Additionally, under the Right to Information Act, 2005, applicants can also seek information regarding the status of their police verification request.