MEA Clarifies Role of Indian Passports Amid Citizenship Debate

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shed light on the purpose of Indian passports, stating that they serve primarily to regulate the departure of citizens from India. This clarification follows recent discussions that have raised questions about the legal implications of passports regarding Indian citizenship.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded to inquiries about the legal status of passports, emphasizing that the document is not intended to serve as proof of citizenship. This statement comes in the wake of concerns expressed by opposition leaders who questioned what documents Indians could use to establish their nationality.

Jaiswal reiterated that passports are issued through a methodical verification process outlined by the Passports Act of 1967 and the Passports Rules of 1980. He highlighted that currently, less than 8% of India’s population possesses a passport, underscoring the limited reach of the document as a tool for international travel.

Despite multiple queries regarding whether passports should be considered as proof of nationality, Jaiswal refrained from directly addressing the matter. Instead, he suggested that such questions ought to be directed to relevant authorities, reiterating that the ministry has provided ample information about the passport issuance process.

In June, the Indian government had asserted that passports have never been categorized as proof of citizenship. This clarification aims to dispel any misconceptions about the document’s role, especially amid ongoing debates about citizenship rights and identity verification in India.

Source: scroll.in