Consequences of Not Surrendering an Indian Passport After Suspension

The Importance of Surrendering Your Indian Passport After a Suspension

If your Indian passport is suspended, it is of no practical use except as a potential risk for misuse. It is essential to understand the implications of not surrendering your passport upon suspension and the steps you can take to have it revoked, if necessary.

Revoking Passport Suspension

If you have a valid reason to revoke the suspension, you should approach the appellate authority of the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) after taking a prior appointment. This is the correct course of action for a law-abiding citizen of India. However, if you do not have a valid reason to request revocation, it is generally advisable to surrender your passport as required by law.

Implications of Not Surrendering Your Passport

Not surrendering your passport, especially after a suspension, can have significant implications. One of the most critical impacts is the inability to apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. You may still be able to apply for a regular visa, but this will depend on various factors.

Penalties for Not Surrendering Your Passport

The penalties for not surrendering your passport after suspension vary based on the duration and circumstances of its not being surrendered and whether you have used it for travel after acquiring a foreign passport. Here’s a breakdown of the possible penalties:

Implications for Passport Retention Without Travel

No penalty if the passport is not surrendered for up to three years and has not been used for travel after obtaining a foreign passport.

A penalty of Rs. 10,000 for the retention of the passport if it is not surrendered for up to three years and has been used for travel once after obtaining a foreign passport.

A penalty of Rs. 10,000 for each subsequent travel on the Indian passport, with an aggregate penalty on travel not exceeding Rs. 50,000 if the passport is not surrendered for up to three years and has been used for multiple travels after obtaining a foreign passport.

Implications for Passport Retention Over Three Years

A penalty of Rs. 10,000 for the retention of the passport and a penalty of Rs. 10,000 for each subsequent travel on the Indian passport, with an aggregate penalty on travel not exceeding Rs. 50,000, if the passport is not surrendered for more than three years and has been used for travel after obtaining a foreign passport.

A penalty of Rs. 25,000 for each renewal or re-issue of the Indian passport and a penalty of Rs. 10,000 for each travel on the Indian passport, with an aggregate penalty on travel not exceeding Rs. 50,000, if the passport is not surrendered for more than three years and has been renewed or re-issued after obtaining a foreign nationality.

A grace period of three months is provided from the date of acquiring foreign citizenship for the purpose of travel on an Indian passport. During this period, no penalty will be imposed for travel on an Indian passport.

Conclusion

Understanding and adhering to the legal requirements for passport suspension and surrender is crucial to avoid penalties and complications in future visa applications. Always consult the local authorities for specific guidance and ensure that you act in accordance with the law to maintain compliance and avoid any potential issues.