Letter No.11634/DM-II/2020-1, TN e-Pass Circular, 30 April 2020
The Revenue & Disaster Management (DM-II) Department, through Chief Secretary to Government K. Shanmugam, issued Letter No.11634/DM-II/2020-1 dated 30 April 2020 to introduce an online TN e-Pass process for travel restricted during the COVID-19 period. It explains who could apply, which authorities issued each type of pass, quarantine and verification requirements, and support for applicants, but it does not govern land or property rights.
What the circular covers
Letter No.11634/DM-II/2020-1 dated 30 April 2020 accompanied a circular for streamlining emergency travel passes during COVID-19 movement restrictions in Tamil Nadu. The circular states that the restrictions had been extended from 15 April 2020 to 3 May 2020 and that the start date and time for the new TN e-Pass system would be announced separately.
The TN e-Pass portal, developed by the Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency, allowed individuals and organisations to apply using a mobile phone or other internet access. The document concerns movement of people and employees, not ownership, transfer, classification or use of land.
Pass categories and issuing authorities
The TN e-Pass system provided three categories:
- Intra-district passes were issued by District Collectors, District Industries Centres, the Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation or the Joint Director of the District Industries Centre.
- Inter-district passes were generally issued through the State e-Pass Control Room in Chennai. Separate arrangements continued for industries in Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Chennai.
- Inter-state passes were issued through the State e-Pass Control Room. Anyone entering Tamil Nadu had to apply online.
Personal passes were limited to the marriage of a close relative fixed before lockdown, the funeral of a close relative, or a medical emergency. Supporting documents included a marriage invitation, proof of death, or a recent doctor certificate, depending on the reason.
Conditions and verification
Letter No.11634/DM-II/2020-1 required or described the following:
- Travellers arriving from another state were to be placed in home quarantine for 14 days, except people coming to hospitals for treatment.
- A pass was not transferable and misuse could lead to prosecution.
- Applicants had to carry the pass and produce it for inspection.
- Every pass contained a QR code for authenticity checks.
- Organisations had to provide specified registration proof and follow workplace precautions, including face coverings, social distancing, temperature screening, sanitisation and staggered breaks.
Applications and support
The TN e-Pass portal used mobile numbers and one-time passwords. Applicants received an acknowledgement by SMS and another SMS after a decision. Approved passes could then be downloaded.
Taluk Office e-Sevai centres were directed to help people without internet access apply without charge. Existing unexpired passes remained valid until a cutoff date to be announced later.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Does this circular affect my land ownership or property transaction?
No. Letter No.11634/DM-II/2020-1 deals with COVID-19 travel passes for individuals, employees and organisations. It does not address land ownership, registration, classification or property transactions.
Who had to apply for an inter-state pass?
Any individual coming into Tamil Nadu had to apply online and obtain an inter-state pass. Such travellers were to undergo 14 days of home quarantine, except people coming to hospitals for treatment.
Could someone apply without internet access?
Yes. District Collectors were directed to make e-Sevai centres in all Taluk Offices available to help citizens apply without any charge.
Did an existing travel pass immediately become invalid?
No. An existing unexpired pass issued by a District Collector or the Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation remained valid until a cutoff date that was to be announced later.
