This Indian State Will Check Social Media Behaviour Of Passport Applicants

Justifying the decision on passport verification process, Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar said the measure is needed to stop growing misuse of social media platforms to foment trouble.

Representational Picture (AFP)

Dehradun: Now, people applying for passports in Uttarakhand have to be extra cautious about their social media behaviour because the Uttarakhand Police has decided to scrutinise social media behaviour before giving their clearance to people. The online behaviour of passport applicants needs to be scrutinised to stop growing misuse of social media platforms, said Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar, as per the ews agency PTI. Also Read: Delhi Schools Reopen For Classes 9 And 11; Check Covid Protocols, Examination Guidelines Here

What will be scrutinised?

Uttarakhand Police had decided to make examination of social media behaviour of passport applicants a part of the verification process at a meeting chaired by the Director General of Police (top police officer of the state). Supporting the decision, Kumar said the measure is required to stop growing misuse of social media platforms to foment trouble. However, the DGP denied he had introduced anything "new or drastic" saying he had only spoken in favour of enforcing a clause already there in the passport law.

The official also admitted the use of social media during the recent tractor parade in Delhi to "escalate tension" may have acted as a catalyst or taking the decision. "Deterrents like these are necessary to discourage the growing misuse of social media and send a message to users to be more responsible," he said.

What is the rule?

"There is a clause in the passport law not to issue the document to anyone indulging in anti-national activities. I have only spoken in favour of its enforcement," Kumar said, as per the PTI. "As a police officer I stand against anything that falls into the category of anti-national activities as defined by our Constitution," he added.

Earlier, police only checked whether or not FIRs were lodged against passport applicants. However, the decision to add scrutiny of social media behaviour of passport applicants to the police verification process was taken during the police conference where the role of social media platforms in recent times came up prominently for discussions.