Police Verification for Passport Application and Its Implications

Applying for a passport can be a critical process, especially when you need to provide accurate information, including your addresses. When filling out your passport application, you may need to mention both your current and former addresses. But what happens if the police verify these addresses, and what information will they check?

The Importance of Address Verification

When you apply for a passport, you are required to provide your current address and a past address. The police verification is primarily to check for criminal antecedents and to confirm your nationality. If you provide false information, the consequences can be severe, as detailed in the stories shared here.

Understanding Police Verification Procedures

Currently, the police use the CCTNS (Central Crime Tracking and Notification System) to verify addresses. This system allows police officers to trace your criminal history and the status of cases registered against you in any part of the country. Unlike the previous method, where officers had to visit each listed address in person, the CCTNS system makes the process more efficient and relies on a digital database of case records.

Digital Verification Process

The officers will log into the CCTNS system and enter your name and father's name. From there, they can access all the cases that have been registered against you, the status of these cases, and whether they have been closed, convicted, or acquitted. This data helps them determine if there is any criminal history associated with the provided addresses.

Field Verification

The police may also send officers to the address you have listed as your current residence. They will check if the address matches your application and may ask for additional proof such as a rental agreement if you are staying in a rented property.

Common Verification Methods

For field verification, the police officers may:

Ask for the names and details of two or more individuals who can confirm that you lived at the provided address. Enquire from your neighbors about your past and present location at the address. Request proof such as one-year-old landline telephone bills, mobile phone bills, or electricity bills to confirm your presence at the address.

Real-Life Example of Address Verification

The author of this article had a similar experience. They were staying away from their home for the past 6 years but mentioned that both permanent and present addresses were one and the same. As a result, the police submitted an adverse report for the current address after verification.

Challenges During Verification

If you provide an address in a remote area, the verification may be conducted near a government office. There are two possible outcomes:

Bribing the officer. Paying a fine of Rs 5000 at the nearby PSK (Police Station)

In the author's case, the police officer requested bank statements for local proof, even though they had submitted an Aadhar card, driving license, and voter ID. After a 20-minute discussion, the officer identified the discrepancies, and the author received a message a couple of days later stating that the police had submitted an adverse report for the current address. The author then paid Rs 5000 at the nearby PSK to avoid further consequences.

Conclusion

It is crucial to provide accurate information during the passport application process to avoid potential issues. Any falsehoods can result in adverse reports and potential financial penalties. It is always best to ensure your information is correct and to be prepared for thorough verification procedures.