Centre Clarifies: Passport Is a Travel Document, Not Proof of Citizenship

The Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that a passport serves primarily as a travel document and does not constitute proof of Indian citizenship. This statement was made during the celebration of the 14th Passport Seva Divas, emphasizing the rigorous process involved in passport issuance, which relies on various documents vetted by multiple government agencies.

An unnamed official from the Ministry explained that while a passport is issued after extensive due diligence, it cannot be used as definitive evidence of a person’s citizenship status. This clarification comes in light of ongoing debates regarding the validity of various identification documents such as Aadhaar cards, voter ID cards, and bank account ownership as proof of citizenship.

Over the years, both the Supreme Court and various High Courts have ruled that no single document can definitively establish Indian citizenship. The only individuals granted formal citizenship certificates are foreign nationals who have gone through the legal process to obtain Indian citizenship. In contrast, Indians born in the country do not possess a dedicated document that certifies their citizenship.

This recent statement has sparked criticism from political figures, including Aaditya Thackeray, a leader of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction). He described the Ministry’s assertion as “absurd,” questioning the rationale behind police verification during the passport application process if passports do not validate citizenship. Thackeray further raised concerns about whether passports might be issued to non-Indians, suggesting that such a declaration could foster confusion among the public.

The discourse surrounding citizenship documentation in India has gained traction in recent years, particularly amid discussions related to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). As the debate continues, the government aims to clarify its position on the matter, asserting that a passport, while essential for international travel, should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of an individual’s citizenship status.

Source: scroll.in