One of my clients recently had a case which I am explaining below and if you are stuck in such similar situation, here is what to do.

Note: Due to attorney-client privilege, I cannot disclose complete case details or identify the actual parties involved. However, I am sharing the essential facts and legal approach so that if you find yourself in a similar situation, you can understand the available solutions and legal remedies.

Mr.X, a young professional, moved to City A in XX/01/XXXX for work purposes. When applying for a passport from City A, despite having a different permanent address, Mr.X submitted appropriate documents including educational certificates and an employer letter from XYZ Pvt Ltd, a reputed company, printed on official letterhead. The Passport Seva Kendra officer accepted the employer letter as valid address proof. However, during police verification, complications arose regarding address verification at the current residence. The police raised concerns about the temporary nature of the stay and questioned the validity of the address proof, potentially leading to an adverse report that could delay or reject the passport application.

Advice in Such Cases

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 to 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 resolved much faster than you think.

• Gather comprehensive documentation proving legitimate residence including utility bills, rental agreements, and employer verification
• Approach the Regional Passport Officer with a detailed written representation explaining your circumstances
• Submit additional address proofs like bank statements, mobile bills, or Aadhaar card updates showing current address

Applicable Sections of Law

The Passport Act, 1967 governs passport issuance and verification procedures. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relevant provisions include Section 318 (cheating), Section 336 (forgery of documents), and Section 340 (using forged documents as genuine) if false documentation is suspected. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Section 173 covers police investigation procedures and Section 190 addresses complaint procedures. These sections ensure proper verification while protecting against fraudulent applications and establishing clear procedures for addressing verification disputes.

If You Are the Complainant

• File a complaint with the Regional Passport Officer regarding improper police verification procedures
• Submit a written representation with supporting documents proving legitimate residence
• Provide witness statements from neighbors, landlords, or colleagues confirming your residence
• Request a fresh police verification with different investigating officers if bias is suspected
• Escalate to the Ministry of External Affairs if regional office doesn’t respond appropriately

If You Are the Victim

• Document all interactions with police verification officers including dates, times, and nature of questioning
• Collect additional supporting documents like employment letters, bank statements, and utility bills
• Seek help from local community leaders or RWA members who can vouch for your residence
• File an RTI application to understand specific objections raised during police verification
• Approach consumer courts if passport services are denied without proper justification

How the Police Behave in Such Cases

Police typically conduct physical verification by visiting the provided address and interviewing the applicant or family members. They may question neighbors about the applicant’s residence duration and character. In cases of temporary residence, police often show reluctance to provide favorable reports due to concerns about address authenticity. Some officers may demand additional documentation beyond standard requirements or show bias against applicants with recent address changes, potentially leading to unnecessary delays.

FAQs People Normally Have

Can I apply for passport from a different city than my permanent address? Yes, you can apply from your current residence with proper address proof.

What if police give adverse report? You can appeal to Regional Passport Officer with additional documentation and request fresh verification.

Is employer letter sufficient as address proof? Yes, if accepted by PSK, but police may require additional supporting documents during verification.

How long does police verification take? Normally 15-30 days, but can extend if there are verification issues or address disputes.

What Evidence Is Required?

• Rental agreement or lease deed showing current residence
• Utility bills (electricity, gas, water) in your name from current address
• Bank statements reflecting current address for at least 3-6 months
• Employment letter on company letterhead confirming workplace and duration
• Aadhaar card or voter ID updated with current address
• Mobile phone bills or internet connection bills from current address
• Witness statements from neighbors, landlords, or local residents

How Long Will the Investigation Take?

Police verification typically takes 15-30 days from the date of application. However, in disputed cases or when additional documentation is required, the process can extend to 45-60 days. Complex cases involving address verification issues may take up to 3-4 months, especially if appeals or fresh verifications are needed. The timeline also depends on police workload and cooperation from applicants in providing required documentation.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India