In what seems like yet another media hit job, a Hindu-Muslim couple alleged that a passport officer in Lucknow Passport Seva Kendra rejected their application. The couple further alleged that they were humiliated and harassed before the officer, identified as Vikas Mishra, denied their application. Seth claimed that the officer shamed her in a very rude and loud manner and that even others could hear him discussing their case.
Tanvi Seth and Mohammad Anas Siddiqui, the couple that was harassed took to twitter and sought action against the official. Tanvi Seth narrated her version of the incident on twitter and also tagged minister for external affairs, Sushma Swaraj to take appropriate action in the matter. She stated that there was a lot of agony and anger in her heart because of the way she was treated. She further added that she never produces Nikahnama as a document because it is not required and that she wanted her passport to be made on her maiden name. She added that the officer was engaging in moral policing to the citizens and that he put on hold even her husband’s passport out a of grudge against the interfaith couple. Siddiqui narrated a different version of the incident and claimed that the officer dragged him into the controversy. He alleged that when his wife’s turn came, the officer went through her documents and started shouting on her saying that she should not have married Siddiqui. He added that later on, the officer asked him to convert to Hinduism and take pheras with his wife.
Soon, the mainstream media outlets took cognizance of the entire incident. As they are used to, they reported only one side of the story and did not even bother to give voice to what the opposite party had to say. It can be safely said that sections of the mainstream media found an appropriate agenda in this story and reported it in the most exaggerating manner. The officer was hounded without anyone caring about what he might have to say. Yet again, the minority card was used and the passport officer ridiculed without anyone even asking him for a clarification.
Strict action has been taken against the official and he has reportedly been transferred. Even a probe has been launched against him and a show cause notice has been issued to him. Secretary, consular, passport and visa division, D M Mulay stated that a report had been sought from the regional passport office in Lucknow and that appropriate action will be taken in the matter.
Meanwhile, the passport officer, Vikas Mishra has come out defending himself. He stated that he merely asked certain questions only because there was a difference in documents which could pose a threat to “national security”. He further stated, “I asked the lady (Tanvi Seth) about why she has not endorsed her name in the nikahnama, and asked her to use the name she had mentioned in the Islamic marriage certificate. Anyone can come up with such documents and it can be a danger to our national security. I am a secular person and do not hold any grudges against anyone.” It seems that Mishra was only going by the rules and doing his duty. He saw a discrepancy in the documents of Tanvi Seth and therefore questioned her regarding that. On looking at the officer’s version, claims of the application being rejected on religious basis seem groundless. It is possible that the officer is being unnecessarily hounded out of a grudge.
It is not uncommon to use the minority victim card in order to catch attention and force through something. This seems true with this incident as well. Minister for external affairs, Sushma Swaraj also seems to have taken a hurried decision being pressurized from several quarters. However, it is not justified to take action against someone merely on the basis of some unsubstantiated allegations. At least, the passport officer must have been given a proper hearing before any step up was taken against him.