Passport Not Proof of Citizenship? What Proves Indian Citizenship, MEA Clarification, Constitution, Citizenship Act Explained

The controversy surrounding the use of passports as proof of citizenship in India stems from a legal distinction between passport issuance and citizenship status. MEA clarified that while a passport is issued only to Indian citizens, it does not serve as conclusive proof of citizenship, which is determined by factors like birth, parentage, domicile, or naturalization, as outlined in the Citizenship Act, 1955. The courts have acknowledged this distinction, stating that passports are evidence but not definitive proof of citizenship. The debate highlights India's lack of a universal citizenship document, unlike many other democracies, which rely on certificates for confirmation. Former foreign secretary Nirupama Menon Rao argues that the current system needs stronger civil registration and archival records to ensure citizenship is not dependent on inconsistent paperwork.