Is passport not proof of citizenship?…. Political turmoil over Central Government’s statement, Congress raised serious questions

digital desk- Is a passport just a medium to travel abroad or is it also a sure proof of your being an Indian citizen? A recent statement by the Central Government has made this fundamental question a topic of discussion across the country. The Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that passport is not the final and conclusive proof of citizenship, but is primarily an international travel document. As soon as this stand of the government came to light, the opposition has started raising sharp questions, due to which a new debate has started regarding the identity of citizenship.

Supriya Shrinet raised many sharp questions

On this statement of the government, Congress leader Supriya Shrinet has raised many serious questions while opening a front on the social media platform X (Twitter). He asked that if a passport is not a proof of citizenship, then what is the significance of the stringent police verification and thorough scrutiny of government documents before issuing it? He also asked whether the immigration authorities of other countries of the world should now assume that every person holding an Indian passport is not necessarily a citizen of India? The opposition has asked what impact this statement will have on the credibility of the Indian passport at the international level?

What does the law of the country say and why did the confusion arise?

There has always been a perception among the general public that Indian passport is issued only to the citizens of India. In such a situation, this technical statement of the government is confusing people. However, legal experts say that citizenship in India is determined under the Citizenship Act, 1955. The courts of the country have also commented in many different cases that passport, voter ID or other identity cards in themselves cannot be considered as final or irrefutable proof of citizenship. The final decision on citizenship is made on the basis of statutory records and prescribed legal procedures.