Daily Current Affairs : 4-May-2024
In the latest news, Prajwal Revanna, a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Janata Dal (Secular), faced sexual abuse allegations. In reaction, he fled to Germany using a diplomatic passport. This incident brings attention to the privileges and potential misuse of diplomatic passports. Let’s explore what diplomatic and official passports are, the privileges they offer, and the regulations surrounding their use.
What is a Diplomatic Passport?
A diplomatic passport is a special travel document issued to individuals holding diplomatic status or those representing the Government of India on official duties abroad. These passports are easily distinguishable by their maroon covers and are typically valid for five years or less.
Benefits of a Diplomatic Passport
Holders of a diplomatic passport enjoy several privileges that make international travel easier. Some of these benefits include:
- Exemption from arrest or detention in the host country.
- Immunity from certain legal proceedings, providing protection from lawsuits or legal action.
- Easier visa procedures in many countries, as diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa requirements in several nations.
Who Receives a Diplomatic Passport?
Diplomatic passports are issued to individuals who have diplomatic status or those appointed by the government for official duties abroad. This includes:
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers and government employees on official business.
- Relatives and immediate family members of IFS and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officers.
- Selected individuals authorized for government-related travel.
Grounds for Revocation of Diplomatic Passports
The Passport Act of 1967 outlines the grounds for revoking a diplomatic passport. These include:
- Wrongful possession of the passport.
- Suppression of material information during the application process.
- Actions that go against India’s sovereignty, integrity, or international relations.
Visa Exemptions for Diplomatic Passport Holders
Holders of a diplomatic passport can travel without the need for a visa to countries with which India has agreements. India has visa exemption agreements with 34 countries, including Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland. Additionally, agreements with 99 other countries allow stays of up to 90 days without requiring a visa.
Important Points
- Diplomatic passports are issued to individuals with diplomatic status or those representing the Government of India on official business abroad.
- These passports have maroon covers and are generally valid for five years or less.
Key Benefits of Diplomatic Passports:
- Exemption from arrest or detention in the host country.
- Immunity from legal proceedings, protecting holders from lawsuits or legal action.
- Easier visa processes in many countries, often exempting holders from visa requirements.
Who is Issued a Diplomatic Passport?
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers and government employees on official duty abroad.
- Immediate family members of IFS and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officers.
- Selected individuals authorized for official government travel.
Grounds for Revocation of Diplomatic Passports (as per the Passport Act of 1967):
- Wrongful possession of a diplomatic passport.
- Suppression of material information during the application process.
- Actions that threaten India’s sovereignty, integrity, or international relations.
Visa Exemptions:
- Diplomatic passport holders enjoy visa exemption in 34 countries, including Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland.
- Additional agreements with 99 countries allow stays of up to 90 days without a visa.
Why In News
After serious sexual abuse allegations surfaced against Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna, he reportedly fled to Germany using a diplomatic passport, raising questions about the potential misuse of such privileges to evade legal consequences.
MCQs about The Misuse of Diplomatic Passports
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What is a diplomatic passport primarily issued for?
A. To travel for personal vacations
B. To represent the Government of India on official business abroad
C. To offer visa exemptions for all international travel
D. To provide free international healthcare benefits
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Which of the following is a key benefit of holding a diplomatic passport?
A. Unlimited travel privileges within India
B. Exemption from visa requirements in certain countries
C. Automatic citizenship in foreign countries
D. Free accommodation in all foreign nations
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Under the Passport Act of 1967, which of the following is a ground for the revocation of a diplomatic passport?
A. The passport holder is traveling for tourism
B. Suppression of material information during the application process
C. The passport holder has completed official duties
D. The passport holder has traveled to more than 50 countries
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What triggered Prajwal Revanna’s use of a diplomatic passport to flee the country?
A. He was appointed as an ambassador to Germany
B. Allegations of sexual abuse surfaced against him
C. He was offered a diplomatic position in Germany
D. He was invited to attend an international conference
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