Indian Passport Authority
Regarding Penalty for Damaged Passport

Sir,

I was already having my passport which got damaged in my Last Trip by getting Wet in Rain along with my Luggage. I applied for new passport along with my damaged passport. I applied online and checked over there that the fees for the new passport was Rs 1000/- while for reissue of Damaged or lost passport is Rs 2500/- The same i submitted at Passport Office, Amritsar along with processing Fees of Rs 2500/- as on 09-04. As per FAQ given on the website it was told that it will take around 30-45 days in issuing of a New Passport. But after a long wait of three months i got the message on the website that passport will be dispatched on 18-08 .i.e. after four months of applying the passport. But yesterday i.e. on 20th august i got a registered mail that i have to submit a penalty of Rs 5000/- due to damaged passport. I checked the penalty Section of Passport on the Official Passport site, but there is no such penalty for Damaged passport (Passport Act, 1967 and under Section 12 (1) (B)). I am warned to deposit the amount within 15 days of issuing letter, which was issued on 12-aug otherwise file will be closed. Please let me know whether there is some such powers of Passport officer to get Penalty for the damage which was not done intentionaly. Waiting for early reply... To whome to contact to get my answer ...???

Company: Indian Passport Authority
Country: India

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