Living In Ghaziabad But Using Delhi Address On Passport? Cops Might Visit You Soon

Last Updated:February 05, 2026, 18:30 IST

Under the government's 'Apply Anywhere in India' scheme, introduced in 2018, applicants are allowed to submit passport applications from any location in the country

Ghaziabad authorities discovered that as many as 22 passports were issued using the same residential address. (Representational Image)

A major passport fraud case has come to light in Ghaziabad after authorities discovered that as many as 22 passports were issued using the same residential address, mobile number and forged documents. The revelation has raised serious concerns within the Ministry of External Affairs and prompted a detailed investigation into the verification process.

The matter surfaced after the Delhi Passport Office flagged suspicious records and alerted local authorities. Following this, Ghaziabad police launched a probe and reportedly uncovered multiple layers of organised malpractice. Investigators found that even a postal employee was allegedly involved in facilitating the fraudulent documentation.

In the wake of the incident, the passport department is now moving towards stricter checks to ensure passports are issued only at addresses where applicants have genuine and verifiable residence. Officials emphasise that while the application process has become more convenient in recent years, misuse of the system can lead to serious legal consequences.

Under the Ministry of External Affairs’ ‘Apply Anywhere in India’ scheme, introduced in 2018, applicants are allowed to submit passport applications from any location in the country. The scheme removed the earlier restrictions tied to regional passport offices, making it possible, for instance, for a resident of Ghaziabad to apply through a Passport Seva Kendra in Delhi.

However, authorities clarify that police verification is always conducted at the applicant’s current place of residence. Many applicants have allegedly been using old addresses in Delhi despite living in Ghaziabad, sometimes requesting neighbours to confirm their presence during verification. Officials warn that such practices are illegal and can attract strict action.

Applicants must provide valid proof of their present address, such as a rent agreement, electricity bill, bank passbook, or a letter from an employer. Even if a person’s permanent address is in another state, they are required to show evidence of their current residence at the time of application.

Using an address where one no longer lives is considered a violation of passport rules. As per existing norms, applicants must declare the address where they have lived for at least the past year. If police verification finds that the applicant does not reside there, the report is marked “adverse", leading to cancellation of the application and possible blacklisting.

Officials stress that furnishing false information in passport applications is treated as a serious offence. Under Section 12 of the Passport Act, 1967, providing incorrect details or suppressing facts can result in up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. In cases where foreign nationals fraudulently obtain Indian passports using fake addresses, the punishment can extend from 1 to 5 years in jail along with fines that may reach Rs 50,000.

Authorities also note that verification procedures have become more technology-driven. Police personnel now use digital devices linked to GPS systems to confirm the applicant’s location during verification. If the applicant is not found residing at the declared address, the system can immediately flag discrepancies.

Officials advise applicants to provide accurate residential details and update their passports in case of a change in address.

News india Living In Ghaziabad But Using Delhi Address On Passport? Cops Might Visit You Soon

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