Prajwal Revanna's passport can be cancelled as per the court's directions. However, in this case, we have yet to receive any direction from the court, said the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs., accused of rape, fled to Germany using his

The Ministry of External Affairs issues four types of passports to Indian citizens - Blue, Orange, White, and Maroon. The Maroon passport, also known as the Diplomatic passport, is the most powerful. It allows entry to 34 countries without a visa and protects against arrest and legal actions in foreign countries.

Prajwal Revanna, a former leader and MP of the Janata Dal-Secular (JDS), faced allegations of sexual assault, prompting him to flee to Germany. The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that Revanna entered Germany using a diplomatic passport and was not issued a visa note. The reason for his visa-free entry was the Operational Visa Exemption Agreement and the diplomatic passport.

Under this agreement, Indian citizens with diplomatic passports can stay for up to 90 days without a visa in 34 countries, but diplomatic passports are not issued to everyone. This privilege is reserved for Members of Parliament, politicians, and high-level government officials. Prajwal Revanna represents the Hassan Lok Sabha constituency in Karnataka and faces allegations of sexual assault by multiple women.

The Ministry of External Affairs issues four types of passports in India: Blue, White, Orange, and Maroon. The Maroon passport, known as the Diplomatic passport, is the most powerful. Passport colours vary to facilitate customs and passport control officers' identification. The Blue passport is the most common and is issued to most citizens. It is valid for ten years for personal or professional needs.

Now let's understand who receives White, Orange, and Diplomatic passports and what facilities they provide:

Orange Passport: Since 2018, the Indian government has issued Orange passports to those who have studied up to the 10th grade and wish to work abroad as migrant labourers. These passports do not have the last page and are issued under the Immigration Check Required (ICR) category for those who are not educationally qualified.

White Passport: Compared to Blue and Orange passports, the White passport is more powerful. It is issued to government officials who frequently travel abroad for official purposes. The White passport streamlines the immigration process for government officials and makes it easier for customs officers to identify them. Applicants for the White passport must provide separate applications explaining why they need it, and they receive several additional benefits.

Diplomatic or Maroon Passport: The Diplomatic passport, also known as Type D passport, is issued to five categories of people. First, those who undertake official travel on behalf of the country, including MPs, Central Ministers, and politicians. Second, high-ranking officials travelling abroad for official purposes; third, officers working under the A and B categories of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS); fourth, Joint Officer Rank or higher officers; and fifth, immediate family members of the Ministry of External Affairs. Diplomatic passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to 34 countries and are protected from arrest, detention, and many legal actions abroad.

How long is a Diplomatic passport valid? MPs' diplomatic passports remain valid for the duration of their term. Last year, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had to surrender his Diplomatic passport after his membership in the Lok Sabha was revoked.

Which countries can Indian citizens enter without a visa? In 2011, the Indian government signed an Operational Visa Exemption Agreement with 34 countries. Under this agreement, holders of Diplomatic passports can enter countries like Germany, France, Austria, Afghanistan, Czech Republic, Italy, Greece, Iran, and Switzerland without a visa, with a stay of up to 90 days. Additionally, India has agreements with 99 countries allowing holders of Diplomatic, Official, and Service passports to stay for 90 days under the Operational Visa Exemption Agreement. These countries include Bahrain, Brazil, Egypt, Hong Kong, Oman, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.

How can a Diplomatic passport be cancelled? According to the bulletin of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, MPs must apply for political clearance three weeks before travelling under the Diplomatic visa category and ensure that their application is accepted before travelling. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has demanded the cancellation of Prajwal's Diplomatic passport from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prajwal Revanna's passport can be cancelled as per the court's directions. However, in this case, we have yet to receive any direction from the court, said the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.

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