General Guidelines for Police Verification

The official stance is that your presence is not required at your previous address if it is no longer your current address. Instead, you need to inform the police about any previous addresses where you have lived within the past year.

It's important to note that while physical presence is not mandatory, there are instances where the police may request your visit to the previous address. This can be for several reasons. First, it can make the verification process easier for the authorities. Additionally, if you are living at your current address for more than a year, your previous addresses may no longer play a significant role in the verification process.

Specific Scenarios for Police Verification

For passport applications, you need to be present only at your current address during the verification process. Your previous addresses are not required for verification, but you should still mention them in your application, especially if you lived there within the last year.

In many cases, the police may request you to visit your previous address, especially if it is within the same city. This is because it can make the task of verification easier, and they can rely on neighbors to recognize you. However, if you do not show up, they might submit an adverse report with a specific reason.

There are exceptions to this rule. For example, if your previous address was a university hostel, the police might not feel the need to visit it as neighbors are unlikely to recognize you. Therefore, hostel records may be sufficient to verify your previous address.

On the other hand, if your previous address was somewhere more substantial and the police request your visit, be prepared to offer the customary chai-pani (tea and snacks).

Conclusion

In summary, while it is not mandatory to be present physically at your previous address for police verification, it is always best to be prepared for the possibility. Despite these guidelines, there are various scenarios where you may be asked to visit your previous address. This can happen especially if the address is within the same city or if your previous address was in a hostel. Being flexible and ready to comply with these requests can help streamline the verification process and ensure the smoother issuance of your passport.

For any questions or further assistance regarding police verification for your passport, contact us for more information.