Vigilance clearance must for Govt officers applying for passport

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has made it mandatory for the government officials applying for passport to get vigilance clearance prior to applying for passport. The vigilance clearance can be withheld if the officer is under suspension or  a charge sheet has been issued against the officer in a disciplinary proceeding and the proceeding is pending. Sanction for investigation or prosecution has been granted by the Competent Authority in a case under the PC Act or any other criminal matter or an FIR has been filed or a case has been registered by any Government entity against the officer, after a preliminary fact finding inquiry.