The Centre has clarified its position on the ongoing debate over whether an Indian passport can be considered proof of citizenship, stating that the legal position is not new and has existed for decades.

Responding to the controversy triggered by recent remarks from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), a government official said, “It was not decided yesterday that the passport is not proof of citizenship. It was not even decided in the last 12 years,” adding that the interpretation is consistent with long-standing legal provisions.

The clarification came after the MEA, during a briefing on Passport Seva Divas, stated that a passport is primarily a travel document and should not be treated as conclusive proof of citizenship. The comments led to political criticism and widespread discussion on social media.

Defending the position, the government cited provisions under the Passport Act, 1967, and referenced a Bombay High Court ruling, reiterating that a passport has never been considered definitive proof of citizenship under Indian law.

Officials noted that while passports serve as valid travel documents issued after verification, they are not legally treated as standalone proof of nationality. The Centre also pointed out that citizenship in India is governed by the Citizenship Act, 1955, and related rules, rather than a single identity document.

Under existing law, Indian citizenship is determined through birth, descent, registration, naturalisation, or incorporation of territory. Authorities reiterated that no single document—such as Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN card, or passport—is officially designated as conclusive proof of citizenship.

The controversy began after MEA remarks stating that a passport should not be regarded as definitive proof of citizenship sparked debate over documentation standards and legal definitions of nationality in India.

The issue has revived discussion around how citizenship is established in the absence of a single national citizenship card, with officials maintaining that citizenship status is determined through legal processes and supporting documentation based on individual cases.

Sources: Hindustan Times