Passport Police Verification: The process of making a passport has become completely online today. Filling the form, taking appointment and paying fees, everything is done through the system. Despite this, one thing still troubles people. Police verification. Many people have experienced that policemen who come to their homes for verification ask for money. At some places the demand is Rs 500, at some places it is Rs 1000 and at some places even up to Rs 2000.
Many times it is also said that if the money is not paid then the report will be negative or the process will be put on hold. In such a situation, the common man gets scared and gives money without asking questions. But the most important thing here is to know whether the police has any legal right to demand money in the name of passport verification or not.
Can police ask for money for passport verification?
The entire passport fee is deposited at the time of filling the online form. While applying for a normal passport, Rs 1500 has to be paid online. After this fee you get the appointment date. After this, neither any money has to be paid to the passport office nor to any policeman. Police verification is part of this process, but no separate charge is taken for it.
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In clear words, the police does not have the right to ask even a single rupee from you in the name of passport report. If a policeman asks for money. So he is violating government rules. This is not a fee, but comes in the category of bribe. In such a situation, there is a need not to be afraid but to be cautious.
What to do if you are asked for money?
According to the rules, demanding money in the name of passport verification is completely illegal. Asking or taking bribe comes under the ambit of Section 173 of the Indian Justice Code (BNS). At the same time, giving bribe is still considered a crime and action can be taken under Section 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988. That means asking for money is a crime as well as giving it.
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If a policeman asks you for money. So you can complain about it. Contact the SP, DSP or SSP rank officer of your district. Helpline numbers for this are also given on the police websites of many states. The most important thing is that you remain aware. Only if we know the rules will we be able to stand firmly in front of wrong demands.
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