 "Prajwal Revanna sex scandal: What is diplomatic passport that the JD(S) MP used to flee from India?")
Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna, who is embroiled in an alleged sexual abuse case, travelled to Germany on a diplomatic passport, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday (2 May). The ministry added that neither political clearance was sought nor issued by the MEA to him.
“No political clearance was either sought from or issued by MEA in respect of the travel of the said MP to Germany. Obviously, no visa note was issued either. No visa is required for diplomatic passport holders to travel to Germany. The Ministry has also not issued any visa note for any other country for the said MP…Yes, he travelled on a diplomatic passport,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a press briefing.
#WATCH | On JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "No political clearance was either sought from or issued by MEA in respect of the travel of the said MP to Germany. Obviously, no visa note was issued either. No visa is required for diplomatic passport… pic.twitter.com/wltTjWuVgo
— ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2024
A day back, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking him to direct the MEA and the Home Ministry to consider revoking Revanna ’s diplomatic passport. He also urged the PM to ensure the JD(S) MP’s return through diplomatic and police channels.
What is a diplomatic passport? Are MPs eligible to get it? What are its benefits? We explain.
Diplomatic passports
A diplomatic passport is granted to diplomats, government officials and some individuals authorised to make an official trip on behalf of the Indian government.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsA diplomatic passport, which has 28 pages, has a validity of up to five years. However, the exact duration depends on the passport holder’s position and the nature of their assignment or visit, as per Times of India (TOI).
While a normal passport has a dark blue cover, a diplomatic passport can be identified by its maroon cover.
Can MPs get diplomatic passports?
As per rules, members of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha can apply for diplomatic passports.
To get a diplomatic passport, MPs and their spouses can apply through the MEA’s website.
They can get a printout and sign the application before sending it to either the Conference & Protocol Section in Room number 527, Parliament House Annexe, or the Notice Office in Parliament House, TOI reported citing the latest Rajya Sabha bulletin.
If the MPs or their spouses hold any other passport, they should enclose those passports with the application forms.
The Upper House’s bulletin says that members have to apply for political clearance from the MEA at least three weeks prior by “using the link www.epolclearance.gov.in and ensure that before proceeding abroad the requisite political clearance has been obtained.”
This also applies to private visits such as tourism or visiting friends or relatives abroad.
The rule states, “It may kindly be ensured that none of their activities during those visits give an unintended impression that members are on an official visit on behalf of the Indian Parliament”.
In the case of official visits, “political clearance from MEA would be sought by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat on behalf of the members.”
It must be noted that a diplomatic passport cannot be used abroad for private business.
Before this, diplomatic passports were in the news when Rahul Gandhi had to surrender his following his disqualification as an MP last March. The Congress leader had to move a Delhi court in May 2023 to get a no-objection certificate for acquiring an ordinary passport.
In 2016, the Indian government revoked the diplomatic passport of fugitive industrialist Vijay Mallya, who was granted one as he was a Rajya Sabha member.
Who issues these passports?
The Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) division is empowered to issue diplomatic and official passports.
As per MEA, the CPV also issues a visa note to government officials travelling overseas for an official assignment or visit.
The applicant has to write a letter to the Joint Secretary of the CPV and submit supporting documents related to the official trip to request visa notes.
Diplomatic and official passports are also granted by relevant Regional Passport Offices (RPOs), subject to approval from the CPV Division.
The applications for these passports are usually entertained at the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Division of the MEA, in Delhi’s Patiala House.
But those eligible can also apply at the passport office that corresponds to their current address.
Benefits of diplomatic passports
Diplomatic passports are considered official identification documents for officials representing the Indian government on diplomatic missions, as per an India Today report.
Under international law, diplomatic passport holders enjoy certain privileges and immunities, including immunity from arrest and detention in the host country.
They get access to diplomatic channels and services offered by Indian embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic missions.
Many countries speed up visa processing or completely waive visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders, India Today reported.
With inputs from agencies
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