Constitutional Provisions Related to Citizenship


Introduction

Indian constitution contains detailed written provisions to the Indian citizenship. These provisions lie under the Article5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11 to the Indian Constitution. Constitutional Provisions Related to Citizenship are important part of Indian polity and should not be skipped while preparing for competitive examinations.

If you are preparing for competitive examinations, then this article going to help you a lot with respect to the same. Please read the article entirely for getting full knowledge about Constitutional Provisions Related to Citizenship.

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Constitutional Provisions Related to Citizenship

Article 5 to 11 contains the related provisions to the Citizenship under Indian Constitution. We have mentioned the detailed content about article 5-11 Under Indian constitution below-

Article 5

Citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution.

  • Defines who is considered a citizen of India at the commencement of the Constitution, i.e., January 26, 1950.

  • A person who was born in India or whose parents or grandparents were born in India would be considered a citizen of India.

  • However, certain exceptions are made, such as for people who were born in India but their parents were foreign diplomats or enemy aliens.

  • Any person who has acquired citizenship through the process of registration or naturalization is also considered a citizen.

  • This article lays down the basic foundation for Indian citizenship and serves as the starting point for citizenship-related provisions in the Constitution.

  • The article also provides that the Parliament may regulate the rights of citizenship by law.

Article 6

This Rights of citizenship is for those who have entered in India from Pakistan.

  • Provides citizenship rights for people who migrated to India from Pakistan after the partition in 1947.

  • Such persons must have resided in India for at least six months before January 26, 1950.

  • Those who migrated to Pakistan after March 1, 1947, but returned to India after the partition, are also eligible for citizenship rights.

  • This article recognizes the plight of those who had to leave their homes during the partition and establishes their rights as Indian citizens.

  • It also aims to ensure that they are not rendered stateless or deprived of their rights as citizens.

  • This article also provides the framework for granting citizenship rights to refugees from other countries.

Article 7

This right is related to some specific migrants of Pakistan who came to Indi.

  • Deals with the rights of citizenship for people who migrated to Pakistan from India after the partition in 1947.

  • Such persons are not eligible for citizenship rights unless they return to India and reside there for at least six months.

  • This provision reflects the political reality of the time when the partition took place and recognizes that the migration was not always voluntary.

  • It also ensures that those who chose to leave India and move to Pakistan cannot automatically claim Indian citizenship.

  • This article provides for the integration of people who migrated to Pakistan and later returned to India.

  • The provisions of this article are subject to change based on the evolving political and social realities of the time.

Article 8

This Right of citizenship related to some of persons of Indian origin who residing outside the country [India].

  • Provides citizenship rights for people of Indian origin who are residing outside India.

  • Those who migrated from India to another country are eligible for citizenship rights if they or their parents or grandparents were born in India and they are not citizens of any other country.

  • This article acknowledges the contributions of people of Indian origin who live abroad and recognizes their connection to India.

  • It also establishes their rights to participate in the political and social life of the country.

  • This article provides a mechanism for people of Indian origin to obtain Indian citizenship and ensure that they are not stateless.

  • The provisions of this article are subject to change based on the evolving global political and social landscape.

Article 9

This is related to those Persons who voluntarily acquiring citizenship of a foreign State [not to be citizens].

  • States that any person who voluntarily acquires citizenship of a foreign country ceases to be a citizen of India.

  • However, the Central Government may make exceptions in certain cases.

  • This provision aims to prevent dual citizenship and ensure that people have a clear and unambiguous citizenship status.

  • It also serves to prevent conflicts of loyalty that can arise from having dual citizenship.

  • The exceptions to this provision are made on a case-by-case basis, depending on factors such as the person's connection to India, their contributions to the country, and the political and social implications of their dual citizenship.

  • This article reflects the importance of a clear and unambiguous citizenship status for individuals and the country as a whole.

Article 10

Continuance of the rights of citizenship.

  • States that every person who is a citizen of India at the commencement of the Constitution will continue to be a citizen of India.

  • This provision ensures that existing citizens of India do not lose their citizenship status due to the enactment of the Constitution.

  • It also recognizes that the Constitution cannot retrospectively change the citizenship status of individuals.

  • This article establishes a continuity of citizenship and prevents any confusion or ambiguity regarding the citizenship status of individuals.

  • This provision reflects the importance of citizenship as a fundamental right and protects citizens from arbitrary deprivation of their rights.

  • The article also provides that Parliament may regulate the rights of citizenship by law.

Article 11

Parliament to regulate the right of citizenship by law.

  • Grants Parliament the power to regulate the rights of citizenship through legislation.

  • This provision allows for the flexibility to address citizenship-related issues as they arise and adapt to changing circumstances.

  • It also provides a mechanism for Parliament to make exceptions to the general rules of citizenship based on specific situations.

  • This article recognizes the importance of citizenship-related laws in maintaining the integrity and security of the country.

  • It ensures that the rights of citizens are protected and that any changes to citizenship laws are made through a democratic and transparent process.

  • The article also allows for the possibility of future amendments to the citizenship provisions of the Constitution as needed.

Updated on: 15-May-2023

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