How to File RTI for Passport-Related Delays (Guide for Applicants in India and Abroad)

Delays in passport issuance — whether due to pending police verification, administrative backlog, or reissue delays — can cause major inconvenience for applicants, especially for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living abroad.

Under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, any Indian citizen can file an application to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to obtain updates on their passport application, identify causes of delay, and learn who is responsible for processing their file.

This educational guide explains how to file RTI for passport delays, police verification issues, reissue delays, and related matters, including official CPIO contacts, payment through e-IPO, and sample RTI formats for 2025.

1. Filing RTI for Passport Delay from India or Abroad (USA, UK, UAE, etc.)

If your passport has been delayed beyond normal timelines, file your RTI with the Passport Seva Project (PSP) Division under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Address your RTI to:

Ms. Somica Srivastava
Under Secretary (PSP-I), Central Public Information Officer (CPIO)
Passport and Seva Project (PSP) Division,
Room No. 29, Patiala House Annexe, Tilak Marg, New Delhi – 110001
📧 uspsp1@mea.gov.in
📞 011-23388648 / 011-23071370

RTI Fee:

• ₹10/- via IPO, Bank Draft, or Banker’s Cheque payable to “PAO, MEA, New Delhi.”

• For NRIs filing from abroad (e.g., USA, Canada, UK): pay via e-IPO (Electronic Indian Postal Order) at
  👉 https://eportalapp.indianpostal.com/

3. RTI for Police Verification Pending (NRI Format)

If your file status remains “Police Verification Pending” for a long period, you can seek clarification from the PSP Division, MEA.

Sample Queries:

• Date on which verification request was sent to the local police.

• Whether the PV report has been received.

• Name and designation of the officer responsible for delay.

• Any follow-up correspondence with the local police authority.

4. RTI for “Passport Reissue Not Received After 6 Months”

If you applied for passport reissue/renewal and haven’t received it within a reasonable time, ask for:

1. Current stage of processing.

2. Whether printing/dispatch has been initiated.

3. Reasons for the prolonged delay.

4. Responsible officer details.

5. RTI to RPO Mumbai from Abroad (Using e-IPO)

If your passport file is under Regional Passport Office (RPO) Mumbai, and you’re abroad:

1. Go to https://rtionline.gov.in

2. Select: Ministry of External Affairs → Regional Passport Office, Mumbai

3. Upload your RTI in PDF format

4. Pay ₹10/- via e-IPO payable to “PAO, MEA, New Delhi.”

📍 RPO Mumbai Contact:
Regional Passport Officer,
Passport Bhawan, Ghodbandar Road, Thane (W) – 400601.

6. First Appeal: Passport Not Issued After PV Clearance

If your Police Verification (PV) is marked “clear” but your passport is still not issued within 30 days, file a First Appeal to:

Dr. K. J. Srinivasa
Joint Secretary (Passport Seva Project) & Chief Passport Officer
Room No. 8, Patiala House Annexe, Tilak Marg, New Delhi – 110001
📧 jscpo@mea.gov.in
📞 011-23387013 / 011-23384536

Attach:

• Copy of your RTI application

• PV clearance proof (if available)

• Grounds for appeal (delay despite PV completion)

7. RTI for OCI Card Delay – Filing to FRRO

OCI cards are processed by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Address RTI to:
CPIO, FRRO [City Name] (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru)
Fee: ₹10/- via e-IPO payable to “PAO, MHA, New Delhi.”

Ask for:

• Current processing status of OCI application.

• Date of approval by MHA.

• Reasons for delay in dispatch of OCI card.

8. RTI for Surrender Certificate Not Received After 1 Year

For delays in receiving your Indian passport surrender certificate after applying at a Passport Seva Kendra or Mission abroad:

File RTI to:
CPIO – Passport and Seva Project (PSP) Division
📧 uspsp1@mea.gov.in

Ask for:

1. Date of approval and dispatch of your surrender certificate.

2. Current status of your file.

3. Name and designation of the officer responsible.

4. Reasons for non-receipt despite one year of delay.

9. RTI for BLS International-Handled Passport Applications

BLS International is a service provider for the Ministry of External Affairs and not a public authority under the RTI Act.

Therefore, you cannot file RTI against BLS directly. However, if your passport submitted via BLS is delayed, you can file RTI to the CPIO, PSP Division (MEA) to know the processing status after BLS submission.

Address your RTI to:
Ms. Somica Srivastava, Under Secretary (PSP-I)
📧 uspsp1@mea.gov.in

10. Summary of Key CPIO Contacts (2025)

Checklist Before Submitting Your RTI

Address your application to the correct CPIO

Attach ₹10/- RTI fee (IPO/e-IPO)

Mention your passport file number and application date

Provide your full postal and email address

Keep a digital or printed copy for record

Educational Purpose Disclaimer

This guide is published for educational and informational purposes only to help applicants understand the RTI process related to passport and consular delays. It does not constitute legal advice.

If you need assistance in drafting, filing, or appealing RTI applications, you can contact the RTI Lawyers Team at Legal Light Consulting.

Need Professional RTI Assistance?

For RTI help regarding:

• Passport, Visa, and OCI delays

• e-IPO filing from abroad

• First and Second Appeals

📞 Visit: https://rtilawyers.com/contact
📝 Apply Online for RTI Assistance: https://rtilawyers.com/apply-online/
🌐 Official Portal: www.rtilawyers.com

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