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 applied for passport reissue in City A, requesting addition of spouse name and address change. The Passport Seva Kendra process completed smoothly within 10 minutes. However, when police arrived for verification, they demanded a bribe despite Mr.X providing all necessary documents including his passport, spouse’s passport with updated details, and current address proof. When Mr.X refused to pay the illegal demand, the officers submitted an adverse verification report to the passport office. Subsequently, a second police verification was initiated, causing significant delay and harassment. Mr.X approached our legal team seeking guidance on challenging this corrupt practice and ensuring proper passport processing without succumbing to illegal demands.

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.

• File complaint with Anti-Corruption Bureau immediately documenting the bribe demand
• Submit representation to Regional Passport Officer explaining the situation with evidence
• Request audio/video recording of future interactions with police officials

Applicable Sections of Law

Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 61 deals with criminal conspiracy when public servants act together in corruption. Section 197 covers public servant taking gratification other than legal remuneration. Section 198 addresses taking gratification to influence public servant. Under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Section 218 provides procedures for complaint against public servants. These provisions collectively address police corruption and abuse of power in official processes like passport verification.

If You Are the Complainant

• Document all interactions with police officials including dates, names, and demands made
• File written complaint with Superintendent of Police against the concerned officers
• Submit complaint to Anti-Corruption Bureau with supporting evidence and witness statements
• Approach Regional Passport Officer with detailed representation explaining the harassment faced
• Request expedited processing citing corruption and false adverse report submission

If You Are the Victim

• Maintain detailed records of all documents provided during verification process
• Collect witness statements from family members present during police visit
• Record conversations legally where permitted to capture bribe demands
• Submit written complaint to higher police authorities immediately after incident
• Approach consumer forum if passport services are being denied without valid reason

How the Police Behave in Such Cases

Police typically conduct passport verification as routine procedure but some corrupt officers exploit this position for illegal gratification. They may create unnecessary delays, demand excessive documentation, or submit adverse reports when bribes are refused. Officers often intimidate applicants by suggesting complications in passport approval. However, honest officers complete verification professionally within stipulated timeframe following proper procedures without any illegal demands.

FAQs People Normally Have

Can police demand money for passport verification? No, passport verification is free government service and any monetary demand is illegal corruption.

What if adverse report is already submitted? You can challenge it through representation to passport office with evidence of proper documentation.

How long does second verification take? Usually 2-4 weeks, but can be expedited through proper legal channels.

Can I record police conversations? Yes, in public places and your own premises, recording is generally permissible for evidence purposes.

What Evidence Is Required?

• Written complaint with detailed timeline of events and officer identification
• Copy of all documents submitted during verification process
• Witness statements from family members or neighbors present during police visit
• Audio/video recordings of bribe demands where legally obtained
• Correspondence with passport office and police department
• Bank statements showing no unauthorized payments made
• SMS or WhatsApp messages related to the case

How Long Will the Investigation Take?

Anti-corruption investigations typically take 3-6 months for preliminary inquiry. Police department internal investigations may conclude within 2-3 months. Passport office usually processes fresh verification within 4-6 weeks once complaint is filed. Court proceedings, if initiated, may extend timeline to 1-2 years depending on case complexity and evidence quality.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India