Government officers facing criminal charges won't get vigilance-clearance for passport
Government officers facing criminal or corruption charges will be denied vigilance clearance for the grant of passport, according to new guidelines finalized by the Personnel Ministry. However, concerned authorities concerned can take a call in case such government officers need to go on foreign travel due to an extremely urgent situation such as medical emergencies. Here are more details.
What are the new guidelines?
The new guidelines say the vigilance clearance can be withheld if the officer is involved in a trap or raid case on charges of corruption and investigation is pending. Also, it applies when an FIR has been filed or a case registered by any government entity against the officer, after a preliminary fact-finding inquiry, and if the officer is under suspension.
Vigilance-clearance will be denied if charge-sheet is filed in court
"The vigilance clearance will also be denied in case a charge sheet has been filed in a court by the investigating agency in a criminal case and the case is pending," the guidelines say. "A sanction for investigation or prosecution has been granted by the competent authority in a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act or any other criminal matter," the guidelines added.
Private complaint cannot withhold vigilance clearance
"Vigilance clearance shall not be withheld due to an FIR filed on the basis of a private complaint unless a charge-sheet has been filed by the investigating agency provided that there are no directions to the contrary by a competent court of law," the ministry said in the set of guidelines issued yesterday. Civil services officers need vigilance clearance for obtaining the Indian passport.
