Introduction : The rules regarding the acquisition of Indian citizenship are governed by the Citizenship Act of 1955. Article 11 Under this Article, Parliament has the power to enact laws regarding citizenship. It has the power to regulate the right of citizenship in India.
A person can acquire citizenship of India in five ways;– (BRAND) B-by birth, R-by registration, A-by acquisition of territory, N-by naturalisation and D-by descent. These five methods are discuss as follows :
Methods of Acquiring Indian Citizenship
1. Citizenship by Birth
- Any person born in India on or after January 26, 1950, is considered an Indian citizen by birth.
2. Citizenship by Descent
- A person born outside India on or after January 26, 1950, is an Indian citizen by descent if their father was an Indian citizen at the time of their birth.
3. Citizenship by Registration
Certain categories of people can apply for Indian citizenship by registration:
- Persons of Indian origin who have been residing in India for at least five years before applying.
- Persons of Indian origin residing in any other country.
- Foreign women married to Indian citizens.
- Minor children of Indian citizens.
- Citizens of Commonwealth countries or the Republic of Ireland who meet the required conditions.
4. Citizenship by Naturalization
A person can acquire Indian citizenship through naturalization if they:
- Belong to a country where Indian citizens are allowed to become citizens by naturalization.
- Renounce their previous citizenship and notify the Indian government.
- Have been residing in India for at least 12 months before applying.
- Have good character and knowledge of an Indian language.
- Intend to reside in India or serve under the Government of India after naturalization.
- The Government of India may waive some conditions for individuals with distinguished service in fields such as philosophy, science, art, literature, or world peace.
5. Citizenship by Incorporation of Territory
- If a new territory is added to India, the government may specify who among the inhabitants will be granted Indian citizenship based on their connection to that territory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can a foreigner acquire Indian citizenship?
Yes, a foreigner can acquire Indian citizenship through naturalization or registration under the conditions specified in the Citizenship Act of 1955.
Q2: What is the minimum residency requirement for citizenship by registration?
A person of Indian origin must have resided in India for at least five years before applying.
Q3: Can a child born to foreign parents in India be an Indian citizen?
Yes, if at least one parent is an Indian citizen at the time of the child’s birth, the child is considered an Indian citizen.
Q4: What are the key differences between citizenship by birth and citizenship by descent?
- Citizenship by birth applies to individuals born in India.
- Citizenship by descent applies to individuals born outside India but having an Indian parent.
Q5: Is dual citizenship allowed in India?
No, India does not permit dual citizenship. Individuals acquiring foreign citizenship must renounce their Indian citizenship.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1: Under which act is Indian citizenship governed? (a) Citizenship Act of 1950
(b) Citizenship Act of 1955
(c) Indian Constitution Act
(d) Government of India Act
Answer: (b) Citizenship Act of 1955
Q2: A person born in India after January 26, 1950, is considered an Indian citizen under which category? (a) Citizenship by Descent
(b) Citizenship by Birth
(c) Citizenship by Naturalization
(d) Citizenship by Registration
Answer: (b) Citizenship by Birth
Q3: What is the minimum residency requirement for citizenship by naturalization? (a) 5 years
(b) 7 years
(c) 12 months
(d) 10 years
Answer: (c) 12 months
Q4: Can a foreign woman married to an Indian citizen acquire Indian citizenship? (a) Yes, by birth
(b) Yes, by registration
(c) No, foreign nationals are not allowed
(d) Only if she gives up her previous citizenship
Answer: (b) Yes, by registration
Q5: Which of the following is NOT a method of acquiring Indian citizenship? (a) Citizenship by Birth
(b) Citizenship by Descent
(c) Citizenship by Migration
(d) Citizenship by Naturalization
Answer: (c) Citizenship by Migration
Citizenship Quiz
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