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 approached me regarding his passport application complications. He had recently purchased a property in City A and submitted his passport application with the new address. However, during police verification, the officers requested an electricity bill as proof of residence. The challenge was that the electricity connection was still registered under the original builder’s name, Y.developers, despite Mr. X having completed the property purchase with proper sale deed and property tax receipts. The police verification officer expressed concerns about the mismatch between the property ownership documents and the utility bill, creating uncertainty about the passport application approval. Mr. X was worried this discrepancy might delay or reject his passport application, especially since he had urgent travel requirements for work purposes.

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.

• Immediately contact the electricity board to initiate name transfer process with sale deed and property tax documents
• Prepare an affidavit explaining the situation and attach all property purchase documents as supporting evidence
• Request the builder to provide a no-objection certificate for electricity connection transfer to expedite the process

Applicable Sections of Law

The passport verification process is governed by various legal provisions. Under Section 319 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), providing false information to public servants is an offense. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Section 172 deals with examination of witnesses during verification processes. Section 340 of BNS covers the offense of wrongful restraint if authorities unnecessarily delay the process. Additionally, Section 191 of BNS addresses giving false evidence, which applicants must avoid during the verification process.

If You Are the Complainant

• File a formal complaint with the Regional Passport Office if verification is unreasonably delayed beyond prescribed timelines
• Submit a representation to the District Collector explaining the genuine property ownership situation with supporting documents
• Approach the electricity board grievance cell to expedite the name transfer process with proper documentation
• Request the passport office to accept alternative proof of residence like property tax receipt, water bill, or bank statements
• Document all communications with verification officers and maintain records of submitted documents for future reference

If You Are the Victim

• Gather all property purchase documents including sale deed, registration certificate, property tax receipts, and possession certificate
• Obtain a letter from the builder acknowledging the property sale and requesting electricity connection transfer
• Apply for electricity connection name transfer immediately with required documents and fast-track processing fees
• Prepare a detailed affidavit explaining the timeline of property purchase and electricity bill name mismatch
• Contact the verification police officer directly to explain the situation and provide comprehensive documentation supporting your claim

How the Police Behave in Such Cases

Police verification officers typically follow standard protocols for address verification. They usually request utility bills as primary proof of residence but are generally understanding when presented with genuine property ownership documents. Officers may initially show concern about name mismatches but usually accept reasonable explanations supported by proper documentation. They often suggest alternative documents or provide time to rectify utility bill issues. Most officers cooperate when applicants demonstrate genuine intent and provide comprehensive supporting evidence.

FAQs People Normally Have

Can I use property tax receipt instead of electricity bill? Yes, property tax receipts are acceptable proof of residence for passport verification when supported by sale deed and other ownership documents.

How long does electricity connection name transfer take? Typically 15-30 days depending on the state electricity board, but can be expedited with proper documentation and express processing fees.

Will this delay my passport application? Minor delays may occur, but providing comprehensive alternative documentation usually resolves the issue without significant delays.

Can the builder refuse to provide NOC for electricity transfer? Legally, builders cannot refuse reasonable cooperation for utility transfers after property sale completion, and legal recourse is available if they do.

What Evidence Is Required?

• Original sale deed and registered property documents
• Property tax receipts in applicant’s name
• Builder’s no-objection certificate for electricity connection transfer
• Bank statements showing EMI payments or property purchase transactions
• Possession certificate or handover documents from builder
• Affidavit explaining the electricity bill name mismatch situation
• Alternative utility bills like water, gas, or telephone bills if available

How Long Will the Investigation Take?

Standard police verification typically takes 15-30 days from submission. In cases with documentation discrepancies, it may extend to 45-60 days. However, with proper alternative documentation and clear explanations, most cases resolve within the standard timeframe. Express processing options may be available in urgent cases with additional fees. The key is providing comprehensive supporting documents upfront to avoid delays.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India