A passport is the most important document for Indian citizens to fulfill their dream of traveling abroad. While the passport process has become increasingly digital and transparent, people often face unpleasant experiences during Passport Police Verification. Complaints often surface that police officers demand a “convenience fee” or illegal money in the name of verification.
If you are applying for a passport for the first time, it’s important to know that there is no separate government fee for police verification. In this article, we will discuss in detail why police verification is completely free and what steps you should take if someone asks for a bribe.
Is it necessary to pay for police verification
When you visit a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) during the passport application process, you are charged a fixed government fee. You may be surprised to learn that this fee also includes the administrative costs of police verification. The police department is provided with separate funding by the government for this work. Therefore, when a police officer comes to your home to verify your address and character, they have no legal right to demand even a single rupee from you.
If an officer demands money from you in the name of tea or to move a file forward, this is completely illegal and constitutes corruption. According to the rules, the applicant is not required to make any cash payment to any police officer during this entire verification process.
Keep these important documents
To complete the verification process without any hassle, you must have the correct information and documents. On the day of verification, have the original and a photocopy of your Aadhaar card, PAN card, and proof of address (such as an electricity bill, voter ID, or rent agreement) ready. Also, inform two witnesses or neighbors who can confirm your identity. Always speak politely to the officer and cooperate fully with the process.
What to do if the police ask for money
People often pay money to the police out of fear that the officer might write an adverse comment on their report and have their passport held up. But there’s no need to panic, as the entire system is now online and trackable. If an officer demands a bribe, you can use these methods:
- Politely inform the officer that you’ve paid your full fee online and that you’re aware the verification process is free. Often, officers back off simply by seeing your awareness.
- If all your documents are in order, no officer can prove your report false without a solid, written reason.
- Remember, both giving and receiving bribes are serious crimes. With your prudence, you can prevent this corruption.
Where and how to complain about bribery
If negotiations fail and the police officer continues to exert undue pressure for money, you can file a complaint at several levels. First, you can meet with the Station House Officer (SHO) or a higher official (SP/DCP) at your local police station and file a written complaint. Additionally, each state has its own Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) helpline, which you can call directly.
In the digital age, you can also raise your concerns on the state police’s official website or the government’s “Public Hearing” portal. If the matter is serious, you can inform the Ministry of External Affairs by sending an email to sovigpv@mea.gov.in. Such complaints are processed promptly, and verification is often completed without any hassle.
