Understanding India's Rules on Dual Citizenship and Multiple Passports Amid Controversy

Original: Riniki Bhuyan passport row: What rules say on dual citizenship, multiple passports in India

Hindustan Times•Apr 6, 20263 min

In a Nutshell

The controversy surrounding Riniki Bhuyan Sharma's alleged multiple foreign passports has raised questions about India's laws on dual citizenship and passport possession. Under Indian law, holding multiple passports is illegal, and acquiring foreign citizenship results in the automatic loss of Indian citizenship.

Key Points

01Indian citizens lose citizenship upon acquiring foreign nationality.
02Holding multiple passports is illegal and can lead to legal action.
03The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme allows certain foreign citizens of Indian origin to reside in India without granting full citizenship.
04Authorities can revoke passports obtained through fraud or misrepresentation.
05Over 1,300 cases of individuals with multiple Indian passports were flagged as security risks last year.

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Full Summary

The recent allegations by Congress leader Pawan Khera regarding Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, have sparked discussions on Indian citizenship and passport regulations. Khera claimed Sharma holds multiple foreign passports, which Sarma has dismissed as fabricated. According to the Passports Act, 1967, Indian citizens cannot hold multiple passports, and obtaining foreign citizenship results in the automatic loss of Indian citizenship as per Section 9 of the Citizenship Act, 1955. The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme allows certain individuals of Indian origin to live and work in India but does not confer full citizenship rights. Legal action can be initiated against those possessing multiple passports, with over 1,300 cases flagged by authorities last year as security risks. The government routinely cancels such passports and pursues legal proceedings under the Passports Act.

Key Figures

1,300

Cases flagged for holding multiple Indian passports last year

1967

Year the Passports Act was enacted

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Why It Matters

These regulations ensure that Indian citizens cannot hold dual citizenship, impacting those who may seek foreign nationality.

Who is affected

Indian citizens considering foreign citizenship or holding multiple passports.

What to know

Individuals should ensure compliance with the Passports Act and Citizenship Act to avoid legal repercussions.

FAQ

No, Indian citizens automatically lose their citizenship if they acquire citizenship of another country.

The OCI scheme allows certain persons of Indian origin who have acquired foreign citizenship to reside and work in India, but it does not grant full citizenship rights.

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