Citizenship Act, 1955
Why it Matters?
The Union Home Ministry informed the Lok Sabha that citizenship in India is determined under the Citizenship Act, 1955, through birth, descent, registration, naturalisation, or territorial incorporation. While not listing valid proof documents, it stated that the Centre must register all citizens and issue national ID cards, as mandated by law.
What You Should Know?
The Citizenship Act, 1955 provides for the acquisition, determination, and termination of Indian citizenship.
Citizenship can be acquired by birth (Sec. 3), descent (Sec. 4), registration (Sec. 5), naturalisation (Sec. 6), and incorporation of territory (Sec. 7).
The Act has been amended multiple times, notably in 1986, 2003, 2005, 2015, and 2019 (CAA).
The 2003 amendment introduced provisions for compulsory registration of every citizen and the maintenance of the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC).
The 2019 amendment provides citizenship to persecuted minorities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, Christians) from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India before 31st December 2014.
The Act empowers the government to frame rules regarding registration, renunciation, and deprivation of citizenship.
It is applicable to the whole of India, including Jammu & Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
The Act is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Key Points
Citizenship is a Union subject under List I of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
The Act distinguishes between Citizenship (legal nationality) and Domicile (permanent residence rights).
Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is not full citizenship – no voting rights, no political office, no purchase of agricultural land.
No provision for dual citizenship under Indian law.