Recently ministry of external affair on passport seva diwas 24 June, comment on passport as it is not a proof of citizenship. Citizenship of India proof
Indian passport is primarily a travel document not a conclusive proof of citizenship.
It create confusion and debate in the public as it most authentic document of identity, but after statement of external affair it spark.
Section 20 of passport act, passport to non citizen
Issue of passports and travel documents to persons who are not citizens of lndia, section 20 of passport act 1967.
- Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions relating to issue of a passport or travel document.
- The Central Government may issue, or cause to be issued, a passport or travel document to a person who is not a citizen of lndia.
- If that Government is of the opinion that it is necessary so to do in the public interest.
Though looking the above provision it clarify that it is travel document not a conclusive proof of citizenship.
Constitutional provision citizenship
Part 2 of the constitution Article 5 to 11 states about citizenship, Article 5 At the commencement of this Constitution, every person who has his domicile in the territory of India and—
- (a) who was born in the territory of India, or
- (b) either of whose parents was born in the territory of India, or
- (c) who has been ordinarily resident in the territory of India for not less than five years immediately preceding such commencement, shall be a citizen of India.
Aadhar not a citizenship proof
Aadhar not a citizenship proof it is only a identity proof and residence, it bring by UPA government to smooth subsidiary, benifit and service.
As a result, citizenship is generally establishes through a combination of birth certificates, electoral rolls, school records, land records, passports, etc., rather than a single definitive credential.
The outcome show that citizenship of india proof is combination of bundles of documents such as DOB, electoral card, passport, property documents, Ration card etc.
The above mention documents are given only to the citizen of india, thus indirectly it’s base of citizen of indian.
But Official by the government it is Not clearly define which documents are the proof of citizenship.