Navigating the SSQ Form: Should I Disclose My Dad's Political Involvement?

Sir, This is a new concern relating to filling out the Special Security Questionnaire form for police verification in my job. As per the standard format of the SSQ (BARC, Central govt.), there is a column where I am asked to state whether I am aware that any of my family members is a member/worker of any political party/organization or has participated in any political activity. If the answer is Yes, necessary details need to be furnished.

Now, the issue is that my father is a supporter of a particular political party and has participated in a few minor campaigns in the past; however, he is neither a member nor a worker nor an official post holder of that party. His participation is purely informal. In this situation, should I mention this in the SSQ? If I mention this, will it unnecessarily complicate my verification process? And if I do not mention it, will it have any consequences?

I am not clear about this. Please elaborate on this issue urgently.

You may simply put a 'NO' as your father is not a member of that political party. Being a sympathizer or supporter of a party is different from being a member of the same. Nobody is apolitical in mind.

Further, the question is whether you are aware only. The reply 'no' indicates that you are not aware; that's all.

Sir, since I know that he participated, I am not comfortable specifying a "No." Will it create any issues if I mention his involvement in the form? Writing "No" wouldn't be justified since everyone in our area is aware of his participation.

Sir, my father is an employee in the Municipality. If I write that he participated in a few campaigns/rallies, will that create much complexity? If no issue arises, then I don't want to hide anything because I am worried about the suppression of any known facts in the future.

Dear friend,

I truly appreciate your honesty in not withholding information that you know.

Participation in political rallies

Participation in a rally conducted by an entity affiliated with a political party or the party itself for a common cause cannot be deemed a political activity, nor would such an act itself make the individual a member of that party.

Membership in political parties

Every political party is a part of the democratic setup of the country. Therefore, it is not unlawful for someone to be a member of a party. In the case where the question pertains to the membership of any of your family members with a political party, and in reality, no one is a member, how can you answer 'Yes'?

Assessing political activity

Just because your father participated in some rallies, perhaps as a member of the employees' union of the municipality, could it be considered a "political activity"? Is there any proof such as his arrest by the police or the filing of an FIR against him?

I believe that your commitment to honesty in life sometimes leads you to exaggerate things unnecessarily.

My suggestion is based on my own belief and may not align with yours. Therefore, it is your choice to answer the query as you see fit.

Thank you very much. Actually, there is no such proof like his arrest/FIR or any other thing. He only had active participation, that's all. I don't know whether I am honest or not, but I am a bit afraid for sure.

Question: Are you aware if any of your family members are either a member/worker of any political party/organization or have participated in any political activities?