If you are stuck in such a situation, here is what to do.

Mr. Rohan Mehra, a resident of the city of Anandpur, was preparing for his move to another country for a new job at a multinational firm, “Innovate Solutions Inc.” He recently applied for a renewal of his Indian passport. When the new passport arrived, he was taken aback. The last page, which traditionally contained the names of his parents and spouse, along with his address, was completely blank. He had read some articles online suggesting that the Ministry of External Affairs was planning to issue new passports with a barcode instead of printed personal details on the last page. Worried that this might cause issues with his visa application, Mr. Mehra sought to confirm if this was an official and valid change.

Advice in such cases

Many individuals like Mr. Mehra have found themselves confused by the new format of the Indian passport. This change is indeed official and has been implemented by the Government of India. The primary goal is to enhance the security of the passport and protect the personal data of citizens, aligning it with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

• The personal details are now stored securely within the passport’s electronic chip and may be accessible through a scannable code, making it harder to tamper with.
• If you receive such a passport, rest assured it is a valid travel document. The Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) have confirmed this change.
• For any official purpose, such as visa applications, the biometric page (the first page with your photo and details) remains the primary source of identification.
• Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A Good lawyer can get the issues resolve in 7-10 days. An advocate can provide a formal letter or clarification if any foreign embassy or authority raises an issue due to a lack of awareness about this new format.

Applicable Sections of Law

The issuance and regulation of passports in India are governed by the Passports Act, 1967. The Central Government, through the Ministry of External Affairs, holds the authority to prescribe the form and particulars of a passport. The decision to remove personal details from the last page is an administrative one, taken under the powers conferred by this Act. It is not a matter governed by criminal laws like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) but is a procedural change to enhance security and comply with global norms.

If you are the complainant

In this context, a “complainant” would be someone who faces a problem because an authority (like a foreign embassy, a bank, or another institution) refuses to accept the new passport format. If you find yourself in such a position, you should:

• Calmly explain that this is the new official format for Indian passports.
• Direct them to the official Passport India website or provide them with a copy of a press release or notification from the Ministry of External Affairs regarding this change.
• If the issue persists, you can file a grievance on the official Passport India portal or contact the Regional Passport Office (RPO) that issued your passport for a formal clarification letter.

If you are the victim

A “victim” in this scenario would be a person who has suffered a tangible loss, such as a rejected visa or a delayed process, due to the confusion over the new passport format. The steps to take are similar to those for a complainant. It is crucial to document everything. Keep records of all communications, rejection letters (if any), and the reasons cited by the authority. This documentation will be essential when you approach the RPO or the MEA for assistance. An advocate can help you draft a formal representation to the concerned authorities to seek a swift resolution.

How the police behave in such cases

The police have no role in matters related to the format or issuance of passports. This is purely an administrative function of the Passport Authority under the Ministry of External Affairs. You should not approach the police for such issues. The police would only get involved if there is a criminal element, such as a forged passport, impersonation, or providing false information during the application process, which would attract penalties under the Passports Act, 1967, and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

FAQs people normally have

Is my new passport with a blank last page valid?

Yes, it is a completely valid and official travel document issued by the Government of India.

Why was this change made?

The change was made to increase the security of the passport, protect citizens’ personal data from being easily visible, and align Indian passports with the best practices recommended by the ICAO.

Will my old passport with details on the last page still work?

Yes, your old passport is valid until its date of expiry. You do not need to get it replaced before it expires.

Where can I find the information that was previously on the last page?

This information is part of the digital record associated with your passport and is securely stored. The primary details for identification are on the main data page.

What evidence is required?

Since this is not a dispute but a procedural change, “evidence” is not required in a legal sense. However, to avoid any inconvenience, especially while dealing with foreign authorities who may not be aware of the change, it is advisable to:

• Carry your passport as the primary document.
• Keep a digital or physical copy of any official press release or notification from the MEA or Passport India website about the new passport format.
• Ensure all details on the main biometric page of your passport are correct and match your other identification documents.

How long will the investigation take?

There is no “investigation” as no crime has been committed. The question is more about how long the transition period will last until the new format is universally recognized without question. While major bodies like airlines and immigration authorities are kept informed of such changes, it might take some time for all smaller agencies and institutions worldwide to update their internal guidelines. This transition is usually smooth, but carrying supporting official notifications can help bridge any information gap in the initial months.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India