A satirical piece questioning the true meaning of Indian citizenship amidst a government move highlighting that an Indian passport is not proof of citizenship, prompting many to rethink their nationality as record numbers of Indians renounce their citizenship.
94-year-old Kondragunta Mahalakshmamma, a former US citizen, is appealing to authorities in Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, to regain her Indian citizenship. She wishes to spend her final days and have her last rites performed in her native village.
MEA officials clarified that a passport is not proof of Indian citizenship, reiterating a long-standing position supported by the Passports Act 1967 and Bombay HC rulings. This clarification, however, sparked calls from experts for the government to introduce a definitive document for Indian citizenship.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that a passport is primarily a travel document and not conclusive proof of citizenship, sparking debate among opposition leaders and public figures. The government cited the Passports Act, 1967, which allows passports for non-citizens, and stated that citizenship is determined under the Citizenship Act, 1955, often requiring a combination of documents.
