Author: Yadav, Yogesh

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police asking bribe for passport verification ?

Corruption During Passport Verification: A Menace We Must Address

Overview of the Problem

Passport verification is a critical step in the issuance process, ensuring that applicants meet the necessary criteria. Unfortunately, this essential procedure has become tainted by corruption. Police officers, entrusted with this responsibility, often solicit bribes openly. Citizens encounter demands ranging from ₹500 to ₹1,000, colloquially known as “kharcha pani.” Standard across India is Rs. 500. These illicit practices persist across various states, including Uttar Pradesh.

Impact and Concerns

The impact of corruption during passport verification is far-reaching:

  1. Harassment and Financial Burden:

    • Citizens face undue pressure to pay bribes, leading to harassment and mental distress. 
    • The financial burden affects applicants, especially those from economically vulnerable backgrounds.
    • Even after paying huge taxes on income, road tax, toll tax, huge taxes on fuel, we have to pay bribe for most valuable document i.e. passport even after having all the documents correct.

  2. Perpetuation of Unethical Practices:

    • When citizens comply with bribery requests, they inadvertently perpetuate this corrupt system.
    • The cycle continues, eroding trust in law enforcement and public institutions.

  3. Misuse of Power:

    • Police officers misuse their authority, undermining the integrity of the verification process.
    • The very individuals meant to uphold justice become complicit in illegal activities.

Steps for Citizens

To combat corruption during passport verification, citizens can take the following steps:

  1. Refuse to Pay:

    • Politely decline any bribe requests. Remember that your application cannot be rejected solely due to non-payment.
    • Stand firm and maintain your integrity. 

  2. Know Your Rights:

    • Understand that police officers must report to the passport office within 21 days.
    • Familiarize yourself with the rejection criteria—applications cannot be arbitrarily denied.

  3. Leverage Legal Channels:

  4. Call Police Station SHO First, CO (Circle Officer) Second, Area SP Third, SSP Fourth, Commissioner Firth. Your issue would be resolved on level First or Second Itself. You will not need to reach SP,SSP Commissioner. Email and WhatsApp Your complaint to them as well so that you have written prove and that police man could not be saved by department.

  5. Document Everything:

    • If police man ask for bribe ask him/her to take using UPI in bank account.
    • Maintain a log of interactions with police officers during verification. 
    • If you feel harassed, Send your complaint on WhatsApp and email. 

Examples and News Reports

Instances of corruption during passport verification have made headlines:

  1. Bengaluru Constable Suspended:

    • In Bengaluru, a constable was suspended for accepting bribes during verification.
    • This incident highlights the urgency of addressing the issue.

  2. Arrests in Mumbai and Other Cities:

    • Mumbai witnessed arrests of police officers involved in bribery during verification.
    • Similar cases have been reported in Nagpur and Lucknow.

Call to Action

Let’s collectively work toward a transparent and efficient verification system:

  • Advocate for reforms, emphasizing digital processes and accountability.
  • Encourage citizens to report incidents and demand ethical conduct.

Together, we can curb corruption and ensure a fair passport verification process for all.

I vividly recall paying Rs. 500 during my first passport application in 2013. However, when I renewed it in 2023, I took a stand—I refused to pay any bribes. To my surprise, nothing adverse happened. My verification proceeded smoothly, and I received my passport on time. What’s more, many of my friends followed suit, denying bribes during their police verifications, and none faced rejection. It’s disheartening that despite paying heavy income tax, road tax, and toll tax, we’re still asked for bribes during passport processing. Let’s advocate for a system where merit, not money, determines our passport’s fate.

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Understanding the Legal Implications of Bribery in India

Introduction: Understanding the Impact of Bribery

Bribery, a pervasive social ill, corrodes the fabric of society and undermines trust in institutions. It occurs when individuals offer or accept illicit payments to influence decisions, gain unfair advantages, or bypass legal processes. The impact of bribery extends far beyond individual transactions; it weakens governance, perpetuates inequality, and hinders economic growth.

In India, both giving and taking bribes are unequivocally illegal. The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, criminalizes bribery by public servants, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct. Let us delve deeper into the legal implications and societal consequences of this reprehensible practice.

Relevant Legal Acts Addressing Bribery in India

1. Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988:

The Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) is a crucial piece of legislation aimed at combating corruption within the public sector. Key points include:

  • Criminalization of Bribery: The PCA explicitly criminalizes bribery by public servants. It covers both the act of giving and receiving bribes.
  • Scope: The act applies to government officials, employees of public-sector undertakings, and individuals associated with public functions.
  • Penalties: Violators can face imprisonment of up to seven years and fines.
  • Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction: The PCA extends its jurisdiction to offenses committed outside India by Indian citizens or public servants.

2. Indian Penal Code (IPC): Sections 161 to 165A:

The IPC contains provisions that deal with offenses related to bribery. Key highlights include:

  • Section 161: Addresses the offense of a public servant accepting a bribe.
  • Section 162: Covers the offense of abetting bribery.
  • Sections 163 to 165A: Address various aspects of bribery, including criminal conspiracy, illegal gratification, and misuse of official position.

Remember: Both offering and accepting bribes are punishable offenses under these acts. As responsible citizens, we must actively work towards eradicating corruption and promoting transparency.

Bribe-Giving (Offering) Offense: Understanding the Legal Consequences

Offering a Bribe to a Public Servant

When an individual offers a bribe, they become complicit in corrupt practices. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Criminal Offense: Offering a bribe to a public servant is explicitly prohibited under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
  • Legal Implications: The consequences are severe:
    • Imprisonment: Violators can face imprisonment, which varies based on the severity of the offense.
    • Fines: Monetary penalties are imposed to deter bribery.
  • Social Impact: By offering bribes, individuals perpetuate a culture of corruption, hindering progress and fairness.

Remember, ethical behavior is essential for a transparent society. Avoid engaging in bribery, as it undermines the very fabric of our legal system.

Bribe-Taking (Accepting) Offense: Accountability for Public Servants

Consequences for Public Servants Who Accept Bribes

Public servants who succumb to bribery compromise their integrity and betray the public trust. Here’s what happens:

  • Legal Ramifications:
    • Imprisonment: Accepting bribes is a criminal offense. Public servants can face imprisonment, depending on the severity of their involvement.
    • Fines: Monetary penalties are levied to discourage corruption.
  • Disqualification: Beyond legal penalties, accepting bribes can lead to disqualification from public office. This ensures accountability and prevents corrupt officials from holding positions of power.

Public servants must uphold their duty to serve the public honestly and transparently. The consequences of accepting bribes are not only legal but also tarnish their reputation and credibility.

High-Profile Cases: Notable Instances of Bribery in India

Highlighting Convictions and Legal Actions

Several high-profile cases have exposed the prevalence of bribery in India. Some noteworthy examples include:

  • Satyam Scandal: In 2009, the Satyam Computer Services scandal revealed widespread financial irregularities, including bribery. The company’s founder, Ramalinga Raju, was convicted.
  • 2G Spectrum Scam: The 2G spectrum allocation scandal involved kickbacks and bribery in the telecom sector. Prominent politicians and business figures faced legal consequences.
  • Commonwealth Games Scam: The mismanagement and corruption during the 2010 Commonwealth Games led to convictions and investigations.

These cases serve as reminders that justice prevails, even against powerful individuals involved in bribery.

Anti-Corruption Measures: Curbing Bribery in India

Efforts by Organizations and Encouraging Reporting

To combat corruption, India has implemented several measures:

  • Central Vigilance Commission (CVC):
    • The CVC oversees vigilance and anti-corruption efforts across government organizations.
    • It investigates complaints and promotes transparency.
  • Lokpal:
    • The Lokpal is an independent ombudsman institution established to address corruption at higher levels of government.
    • It investigates complaints against public officials.

Encourage Reporting: Citizens play a crucial role. Report bribery incidents promptly to relevant authorities or use online platforms to expose corruption.

Together, we can build a more honest and accountable society, free from the shackles of bribery.

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United Against Corruption: A Comprehensive Guide

Fighting against corruption is a collective effort and involves various strategies. Here are some ways to combat corruption:

  1. Understanding Corruption: Corruption is not only about bribes. People, especially the poor, get hurt when resources are wasted. It’s important to understand the different kinds of corruption to develop smart responses1.
  2. Empowering Citizens: Create pathways that give citizens relevant tools to engage and participate in their governments. This can help identify priorities, problems, and find solutions12.
  3. Reforming Public Administration and Finance Management: Improving financial management and strengthening the role of auditing agencies can have a greater impact on curbing corruption than public sector reforms2.
  4. Promoting Transparency and Access to Information: Countries successful at curbing corruption have a long tradition of government openness, freedom of the press, transparency, and access to information2.
  5. Ending Impunity: Effective law enforcement is essential to ensure the corrupt are punished and break the cycle of impunity2.
  6. Closing International Loopholes: Without access to the international financial system, corrupt public officials throughout the world would not be able to launder and hide the proceeds of looted state assets2.
  7. Leveraging Technology: Use the power of technology to build dynamic and continuous exchanges between key stakeholders: government, citizens, business, civil society groups, media, academia etc1.
  8. Building Capacity: Countries that suffer from chronic fragility, conflict, and violence are often the ones that have the fewest internal resources to combat corruption. Identify ways to leverage international resources to support and sustain good governance1.
  9. Learning by Doing: Any good strategy must be continually monitored and evaluated to make sure it can be easily adapted as situations on the ground change1.
  10. Reporting Corruption: Individual citizens may contribute to the fight against corruption by reporting on corruption to the authority or through the media3.

Remember, every small step counts in the fight against corruption. It’s a long-term process that requires persistence and patience.