India
oi-Prakash KL
The Centre on Thursday clarified that an Indian passport has by no means been thought-about conclusive proof of citizenship, asserting that no new choice on the matter has been taken by the Narendra Modi authorities up to now 12 years, PTI reported citing sources.
The clarification got here in response to media stories citing Ministry of Exterior Affairs (MEA) officers, who reiterated {that a} passport is primarily a journey doc and never a doc that establishes citizenship.
The Centre clarified that an Indian passport isn’t conclusive proof of citizenship, emphasizing this can be a long-standing place, not a brand new choice by the Modi authorities, and aligns with a 2013 Bombay Excessive Court docket ruling.
Authorities sources harassed that the place is neither new nor the consequence of any current coverage change.
“It was not determined yesterday that the passport isn’t a proof of citizenship. It was not even determined within the final 12 years. The passport has by no means been a proof of citizenship,” the information company quoted a supply as saying.
Sources pointed to provisions of the Passport Act, 1967, noting that passports might, in sure circumstances, be issued to non-citizens as properly, reinforcing the excellence between a journey doc and proof of nationality.
Official sources additional cited a 2013 Bombay Excessive Court docket judgment, which held {that a} passport can’t be handled as conclusive proof of citizenship.
The controversy comes amid ongoing discussions surrounding the Election Fee’s Particular Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Throughout hearings on the train, the Supreme Court docket noticed that Aadhaar serves as proof of id however isn’t conclusive proof of citizenship.
Authorities sources additionally referred to a set of Often Requested Questions (FAQs) issued by the Press Info Bureau (PIB) on December 20, 2019, within the context of the Citizenship Modification Act (CAA) and the proposed Nationwide Register of Residents (NRC).
The PIB had said that citizenship could also be established by paperwork regarding an individual’s date and place of beginning, although it famous {that a} closing choice on the listing of acceptable paperwork was but to be taken.
In line with the FAQs, citizenship determinations are ruled by the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the Citizenship Guidelines, 2009.
The framework supplies 5 routes to Indian citizenship: by beginning, descent, registration, naturalisation, and incorporation of territory.
The federal government’s clarification seeks to underscore a long-standing authorized distinction between id and journey paperwork on one hand, and documentary proof of citizenship on the opposite.
Opposition Slams Govt
The difficulty sparked political reactions, with opposition leaders questioning the federal government’s stance on citizenship documentation.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mahua Moitra took a swipe on the Centre, posting on X: “It might appear that the one proof of Indian citizenship at the moment is to be each Hindu and a BJP voter. Nothing else will do.”
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal additionally criticised the federal government, asking what doc would then function definitive proof of citizenship. “Which doc then is proof of citizenship? BLO can doubt my citizenship, deprive me of my vote. End result BJP wins the election. Over to Supreme Court docket!” he wrote on X.
What’s Proof of Citizenship in India?
India doesn’t have a single common “citizenship card” or “citizenship certificates” that each citizen possesses.
As an alternative, citizenship is established by a mix of paperwork that present how an individual turned an Indian citizen below the Citizenship Act.
Relying on the case, necessary paperwork might embrace:
- Beginning certificates
- Dad and mom’ beginning information
- College information
- Citizenship certificates (for individuals who acquired citizenship by registration or naturalisation)
- Authorities information proving residence and ancestry
- Different supporting paperwork required below the Citizenship Act
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