Is an Indian passport not proof of citizenship? Here's what the Passports Act of 1967 says
On the occasion of the 14th Passport Seva Divas on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the passport is merely a travel
On the occasion of the 14th Passport Seva Divas on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the passport is merely a travel document and not proof of Indian citizenship. An official said, "A passport is issued after a lot of due diligence, and it is based on documents from several government agencies." The statement from the MEA officials assumes significance after the Supreme Court, during a recent hearing on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, said that Aadhaar was not conclusive proof of citizenship and was simply a document of identity. MEA cites Section 20 of the Passports Act Following the detailed briefing on Wednesday, MEA's remarks sparked controversy, with Opposition leaders criticizing the Central government. On Thursday, the government once again clarified that a passport has never been considered proof of citizenship, and added that no such decision was taken either recently or in the last 12 years. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 Is an Indian passport considered proof of citizenship according to the Passports Act of 1967? ⌵ No, the Passports Act of 1967 states that a passport is a travel document and not considered proof of Indian citizenship.
2 What does Section 20 of the Passports Act of 1967 say about issuing passports? ⌵ Section 20 allows the Central Government to issue a passport to a person who is not a citizen of India if it is deemed necessary in the public interest. 3 Why has the Ministry of External Affairs clarified that a passport is not proof of citizenship? ⌵ The clarification followed controversy and confirmed that a passport serves as a travel document and does not establish citizenship, an assertion supported by past judgments. 4 What should individuals provide to prove their citizenship if a passport is not sufficient? ⌵ To prove citizenship, individuals should submit documents related to their date and place of birth, as outlined in the Citizenship Rules, 2009. 5 Can non-citizens obtain an Indian passport? ⌵ Yes, the Passports Act of 1967 permits the issuance of passports to non-citizens under specific circumstances as determined by the government. The Centre also referenced Section 20 of the Passports Act, 1967, to support its clarification. Section 20 of the Act states, "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 India if that Government is of the opinion that it is necessary so to do in the public interest." The government also referred to the 2013 judgments of the Bombay High Court, which made it clear that possession of a passport does not establish citizenship.
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