After allegations of sexual abuse by Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna surfaced, he fled to Germany on a diplomatic passport.
Passport Types and Privileges:
- Normal Passports:
- Dark blue covers.
- Valid for 10 years (for adults).
- Diplomatic Passports:
- Maroon covers.
- Valid for five years or less.
- Holders entitled to privileges and immunities including immunity from arrest, detention, and certain legal proceedings in the host country.
Issuance of Diplomatic Passports:
- The MEA’s Consular, Passport & Visa Division issues diplomatic passports (‘Type D’ passports) to individuals in five categories:
- Diplomatic status holders.
- Government-appointed individuals on official business.
- Officers of Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Branches A and B (normally Joint Secretary rank and above).
- Relatives and immediate family of IFS and MEA officers.
- Select individuals authorized for official travel on behalf of the government, including union ministers and MPs representing the government.
Visa Exemptions for Diplomatic Passport Holders:
- India has operational visa exemption agreements with 34 countries, including Germany, for diplomatic passport holders.
- Reciprocal deal with Germany signed in 2011 allows Indian diplomatic passport holders visa-free entry for stays up to 90 days.
Political Clearance and Passport Revocation:
- Members using diplomatic passports are required to apply for prior political clearance directly to MEA.
- Karnataka CM has requested the revocation of Prajwal’s diplomatic passport, which can only occur after a court order as per the Passport Act 1967.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What color are normal passports?
- A) Maroon
- B) Dark blue
- C) Green
- D) Red
- Answer: B) Dark blue
- What privileges do diplomatic passport holders enjoy according to international law?
- A) Immunity from all legal proceedings
- B) Immunity from arrest and detention only
- C) Immunity from arrest, detention, and certain legal proceedings
- D) No privileges
- Answer: C) Immunity from arrest, detention, and certain legal proceedings
- How long are diplomatic passports typically valid for?
- A) 10 years
- B) 5 years or less
- C) 15 years
- D) Lifetime
- Answer: B) 5 years or less
- Who issues diplomatic passports in India?
- A) Ministry of External Affairs
- B) Ministry of Home Affairs
- C) Ministry of Defence
- D) Ministry of Finance
- Answer: A) Ministry of External Affairs
- Which country signed a reciprocal deal with India in 2011 allowing visa-free entry for Indian diplomatic passport holders?
- A) France
- B) Afghanistan
- C) Germany
- D) Italy
- Answer: C) Germany