The government “processes” the cancellation of Revanna’s diplomatic passport; how is it different and when is it canceled – Firstpost

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has received a letter from the Karnataka government for cancellation of the diplomatic passport of MP Hassan Prajwal Revanna, accused in the ‘obscene videos’ case.

The letter was sent by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where he urged the Prime Minister to take “prompt and concerted actions to ensure Revanna’s return to India”.

Sources at News18 said the cancellation of Revanna’s diplomatic passport is “being processed” by the MEA.

Where did Revanna run to?

According to reports, Revanna, who was fielded by Janata Dal (Secular) from Hassan Lok Sabah seat in Karnataka in the 2024 general elections, fled to Germany on April 27, the day after voting in the constituency. He used his diplomatic passport to leave the country.

According to Congress leader Siddaramaiah, Revanna fled India soon after news of “heinous actions emerged and just hours before the first case was filed against him”.

Revanna, grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and son of Karnataka MP HD Revanna, is facing charges for several cases of sexual abuse of women.

Explicit videos showing Revanna sexually abusing several women went viral in Hassan last month, after which the Karnataka government constituted a team to probe the crime allegedly involving the JDS legislator.

What does Siddramaiah’s letter to PM Modi say about Revanna?

In a letter dated May 22, Siddaramaiah said, “The serious series of incidents committed by Revanna has not only shocked the conscience of the people of the State of Karnataka, but has also caused nationwide concern. »

The Karnataka CM said the JDS MP “fled the country using his diplomatic visa soon after his heinous actions were announced and just hours before the first FIR was filed against him”.

“He abused his diplomatic privileges to flee the country and escape criminal prosecution,” the Congress leader said.

“It is of great concern that the accused Prajwal Revanna has managed to remain in hiding till date despite the issuance of a lookout circular, a Blue Corner notice and two Investigating Officer notices under the Section 41A CrPC. The FIR against Prajwal Revanna contains charges of rape, sexual assault, undressing of women and forced videography of sexual acts in order to threaten victims,” the letter said.

“It is needless to emphasize that such abuse of privileges and deliberate acts of non-cooperation with the judicial process deserve serious action by the central government or its instrumentalities to ensure the presence of the accused to face investigation and trial,” Siddaramaiah said.

“I urge you to consider this matter with utmost seriousness and take prompt and necessary steps to cancel the diplomatic passport of Prajwal Revanna, under section 10(3)(h) of the Passport Act of 1967 or under any other relevant law and ensure his return to the country in the public interest,” the Karnataka CM requested PM Modi in the letter.

What is a diplomatic visa and how did Revanna obtain it?

Diplomatic passports, also known as “Type D” passports, are issued by the MEA. They are different from regular passports and have a shorter validity, usually five years or less.

They are issued only to people belonging to specific categories:

1 – Persons with diplomatic status.

2 – Persons appointed by the government on official mission

3 – Senior officers of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in the rank of Joint Secretary and above

4 – Parents and immediate family of IFS and MEA agents

5 – Selected persons authorized to travel officially for the government, such as Union Ministers and Members of Parliament.

Diplomatic passport holders enjoy certain privileges and immunities, including protection from arrest, detention, and certain legal proceedings abroad. But Revanna will no longer enjoy it after the MEA canceled her passport.

Diplomatic premises and passport holder’s bags are protected and diplomats generally live tax-free. They also benefit from separate entrances to airports.

Diplomatic visa applications should ideally be submitted three weeks in advance and political authorization is required if the holder is traveling to an international country.

What do you need to do to obtain a diplomatic passport?

To obtain a diplomatic passport, approved individuals must submit forms, photos and relevant authorizations. Required documents include political or PMO clearance, identity proof and custody certificate if the applicant’s regular passport is held by his or her department.

Additionally, unlike the dark blue covers of normal passports, diplomatic passports have a brown cover.

Earlier in May, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said, “No political permission has been sought or issued by the MEA regarding the said MP’s trip to Germany. Obviously no visa note was issued either. »

Germany is among the 34 countries with which India has operational visa waiver agreements for holders of diplomatic passports.

Who can revoke a diplomatic passport?

The government can revoke Prajwal’s diplomatic passport only after a court order to this effect. “As regards the possible revocation of the passport of any individual, I refer you to the relevant provisions of the Passport Act, 1967. We have not received any direction from any court in this regard,” Jaiswal had said.

According to the law, the passport authority can seize or revoke a passport if the holder is in illicit possession or if it was obtained by removing important information; or if the Passport Authority considers it necessary in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, or in the interests of friendly relations of India with a foreign country.

Diplomatic passports can also be revoked if the holder has, after issuance of the passport, been convicted by an Indian court. They can also be revoked by decision of a court during proceedings relating to an offense allegedly committed by the passport holder before a criminal court.