• Address mismatch — Aadhaar address ≠ application address. Police visit fails.
• Pending criminal case — flagged in NCRB. Need court NOC.
• Documents incomplete — Annexure D for minors (both parents), Annexure C/F for special cases.
• SHO didn't visit — but reported “could not verify”. File RTI for visit log.
• Doubts on Indian citizenship — for naturalised citizens / Bangladesh/Nepal border districts. Submit citizenship cert + ration card history.

1. Check rejection reason — passportindia.gov.in → Application Status → reason note + officer name. Or call 1800-258-1800.
2. If PSK doc-rejection — Re-book PSK appointment with corrected docs. No fresh fee if same application; just re-print appointment receipt.
3. If police verification adverse — File RTI to local SHO + DCP Special Branch — ask for: visit log, persons interviewed, basis of adverse report. ~70% reverse on RTI.
4. If pending criminal case — Get NOC from concerned court. Even FIR holders can get passport if court NOC issued. Submit at PSK; re-submit application.
5. If RPO denied (§6/§11) — File appeal to next-level Authority (Joint Secretary, MEA Passport Division) within 30 days. CPGRAMS parallel.
6. Submit appeal in writing — To RPO (copy to Joint Secretary, MEA, New Delhi). Cite Passport Act §11. Attach: rejection order, evidence countering grounds, fresh affidavit.
7. Track appeal + RTI parallel — Appeal disposal: 60 days (statutory). If no response: RTI to MEA Passport Division for status.

• Statutory appeal route: Passport Act §11 appeal — to immediately superior authority (RPO → Joint Secretary MEA → Secretary MEA). 60 days statutory disposal.
• Appeal window: 30 days from rejection order to file §11 appeal
• Fee: Appeal under §11: free. RTI: Rs 10. Fresh application: Rs 1,500-3,500 (if rejection order quashed and new application required).

• Court NOC for any pending case
• Aadhaar + Voter ID + utility bills (showing same current address)
• Citizenship certificate (if applicable)

Government rejection orders often lack actual rationale. RTI brings out the file noting + officer name + actual basis — and that visibility usually resolves the case. Use this template:

1. Copy of the rejection order + complete file noting on application no. _____ dated _____.
2. Name + designation of the officer who took the rejection decision.
3. Specific Section / Rule / Circular under which rejection was made + supporting evidence relied upon.
4. Number of similar applications in the past 12 months that were (a) approved, (b) rejected — for the same officer.
5. The procedure + timeline for filing an appeal + the office of the appellate authority.

Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the RTI Drafter →

Re-apply guide: How to apply for passport

Track your application status: Status check guide

Partial — TCS service charge non-refundable. Government fee partial refund on written request to RPO.

File RTI to SHO for visit log + officer name + date/time. Submit your CCTV/neighbour testimony as counter. Most reverse.

Yes if (a) court NOC + (b) bail granted + © no FIR for “anti-national activities”. Many high-profile pending-case passport-holders exist (cleared via court NOC).

Annexure C (single-parent) + court order if other parent abroad / unavailable. Annexure G if minor in court-designated custody.

File §11 appeal + RTI to RPO Director. If still unresponsive: writ petition to High Court (Passport denial is Article 21 issue per *Maneka Gandhi* SC 1978).

• 25 how-to-apply guides
• 25 status-check guides
• 30 documents-required checklists
• Full RTI Playbook — 100+ scenarios

• Statutory appeal under relevant Act/Rule — see legal framework section.
• Citizen feedback collected via AwaazRTI (composite, identifying details removed).

Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.