I have closed my passport file,i received 2 letters by post first saying closure of file is successful and another one is saying that contact passport office and pay penalty amount of 5K.
Is there any need to pay that penalty and can i apply for fresh passport?
I don't think there is penalty for closing application but it must be due to fact that they think you have suppressed some information or gave them false information.
Now best way is to meet them and pay the fine and apply afresh or you may go for legal battle to solve the issue but will take time.
HERE ARE THE DETAILS OF PENALTY FOR OFFENCES UNDER PASSPORT ACT, 1967
Imposition of penalties for suppression of information under Section 12(1) (B) of Passport Act, 1967 is as given below:
S. No. Nature of suppression of information Amount (in Rs.) for Literate applicants Amount (in Rs.) for Illiterate applicants
(i) In case the applicant’s name has been endorsed on the parents’ passport and the applicant is less than 18 years old and while applying for a separate passport, does not mention the fact that the name is endorsed in the parents’ passport.
500/-
Nil
(ii) In case the applicant’s name has been endorsed on the parents’ passport and the applicant is more than 18 years old and while applying for a separate passport, does not mention the fact that his name is endorsed in the parents’ passport.
1000/-
500/-
(iii) In both the above cases, if the parents’ passport has already expired
No fine
No fine
(iv) If the applicant had previously applied for a passport and the file was closed without issue of a passport or returned undelivered and provided there is no change in the personal particulars and the applicant does not mention about the application made earlier.
1000/-
500/-
(v) If the previous passport has expired and the information is not given.
2000/-
500/-
(vi) When an applicant holds / held a diplomatic / official passport and does not mention in his application at the time of applying for an ordinary passport.
500/-
500/-
(vii) If a student studying in a hostel away from his permanent address, does not mention his present address with proof in his passport application form while applying at RPO/PO in which jurisdiction his permanent address falls.
500/-
500/- (in case of minor, where applicant’s parent is illiterate)
(viii) In case where an applicant does not disclose that he had applied for a passport earlier claiming that he never received the passport and there is, however, no record of passport “Returned Undelivered”, then the applicant may be asked to apply for duplicate passport with FIR.
2500/- + 2500/- (Duplicate passport fee)
1000/- + 2500 (Duplicate passport fee)
(ix)
(a) In case, there is forgery of the stamp of ECNR/PCC or any other observation in the passport, then applicant may be interviewed and in case some agent has done this then his name and address should be taken in writing. The forged endorsement should be cancelled and passport restored to the applicant.
(b) If another booklet is required by the applicant, duplicate passport fee or Rs. 2500/- should be charged.
5000/-
5000/- + 2500/- (Duplicate passport fee)
1000/-
1000/- + 2500/- (Duplicate passport fee)
(x) In case the passport with forgery has expired, then fresh passport may be issued with normal fee of Rs. 1000/- plus.
2500/- + 1000/- (normal passport fee)
1000/- + 1000 (normal passport fee)
(xi) A Government servant who does not give details of his employment in his application form for ordinary passport.
2500/-
2500/-
(xii) In case applicant does not disclose correct marital status and a case is registered regarding marital dispute
2500/-
2500/-
(xiii) If applicant gives wrong information regarding his date of birth / place of birth (minor changes)
1000/-
500/-
(xiv) Minor suppressions of information regarding marital status / name of spouse etc. inadvertently.
500/-
500/-
(xv) When an applicant holds a valid passport or suppresses / changes the personal particulars or where a criminal case is pending against him and this information is not disclosed in the application.
5000/-