If I may summarize my experiences and the few replies including this one above:*** Just wanted to update the thread with the information I got from Passport Office or 6868 number:- 17 weeks of processing time starts from the day they start working on mailed in applications. In my case application was received in May and then, agent said we started working on your application on 4th August. As per agent, its 17 weeks from 4th Aug which is ridiculous.. sorry
1. may I repeat that in this call above, I was told, "you clarified your issues on 15 Aug. Nothing more to clarify. So we start processing your passport from that date for 20 business days" (i.e. until Sep 12), and then 2 more days for xpresspost.
2. This is important because in the call of Aug 8 I wasn't told I had issues
3. Written requests and complaint, from me, went unanswered. Call, then question the officer if they have issues with you. You cannot know if they picked issues but did not call you on their own. Call. Them. When. In. Doubt.