As per new guidelines finalised by the Personnel ministry, government officers facing criminal or corruption charges will be denied vigilance clearance for the grant of passport. However, authorities concerned can take a call in case such officers need to go on foreign travel due to an extreme urgent situation like medical emergencies.
The vigilance clearance can be withheld if the officer is involved in a trap or raid case on charges of corruption and investigation is pending; an FIR has been filed or a case registered by any government entity against the officer, after a preliminary fact finding inquiry, and if the officer is under suspension.
The vigilance clearance will also be denied in case a charge sheet has been filed in a court by the investigating agency in a criminal case and the case is pending; a sanction for investigation or prosecution has been granted by the competent authority in a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act or any other criminal matter, and a charge sheet has been issued against the officer in a disciplinary proceeding and the proceeding is pending.
However, the information regarding FIR may be provided to the passport office and that, the final decision on the matter will be taken by the concerned passport issuing authority. Civil services officers need vigilance clearance for obtaining Indian passport.
