In a relief to several hundred citizens, the state government will be instructing police officials not to harass people during the address verification process for passports of those living in rented apartments or flats due to redevelopment. Yogesh Kadam, minister of state for home, said in the Legislative Assembly that instructions would be given to the police department officers to follow the rules and stop harassment (if any) when it comes to address verification of people staying in rented premises.

“On Wednesday, the police department was to be given instructions to not harass people over address verification,” Kadam said. On Wednesday, BJP MLA Manisha Chaudhary, through a calling attention notice, raised the issue of people facing problems when it comes to address verification of those who have moved out of their old house due to buildings being demolished for redevelopment. 

“Citizens possess the original agreement, redevelopment agreement with developer, and Aadhar card, but still face problems from the police when it comes to address verification for passports. Students who aspire to go abroad for higher education are facing a problem on a larger scale,” the BJP MLA said and demanded changes in the standard operating procedure (SOP) for passport address verification.