Police plan Passport curbs in Stir violence cases

The Delhi Police on Thursday confirmed that protestors involved in violence during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) march to the Parliament on 20 July could face criminal charges and have their passports cancelled, adding that the step is meant to increase administrative pressure on those suspected of violence.

While criminal cases can take a long time and may not always lead to punishment, restricting travel makes it personally costly to join in violence and shows that the State will act beyond just jail time.

Delhi Police have filed several FIRs for rioting, assaulting public servants, and damaging public property in relation to the violence on Monday. Investigations are still underway, with police using video footage and other evidence to identify those involved. Sources allege anti-social elements and criminals joined the gathering.

“In the coming weeks, the process of identifying people, making recommendations, and possible legal challenges will show if this approach is fair or too harsh. The violence on 20 July was real, so the state’s response needs to be both strong and careful”, a source said. Once people are clearly linked to the violence, police will recommend that their passports be cancelled under the Passports Act, 1967, they said.

Section 10 of the Act empowers the passport authority to impound or revoke a travel document if the holder has been convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced to imprisonment of two years or more, or in cases where the holder’s continued possession is deemed prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity or security of India. Pending criminal proceedings can also complicate renewal or fresh issuance under Section 6.

While courts have clarified that mere pendency does not automatically bar a passport, a formal recommendation from police following identification in rioting cases carries weight, significantly restricting international travel.

“Protesters held ongoing sit-ins at Jantar Mantar, calling for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign and for major reforms. Peaceful protest is a constitutional right. But when protests reach the security area around Parliament, the state also has a clear duty to keep order,” a source said.

The passport measure is a deterrent, turning a local law-and-order issue into one with national and international effects.