Not Aadhaar, but THESE three documents are considered citizenship proof in India; check complete list here
Indian citizenship proof: During the recent hearing in the Bihar electoral rolls case, the Election Commission of India (ECI) argued in the Supreme Court that the Aadhaar card is not considered a valid proof of Indian citizenship, reiterating the Union government’s position on the matter, even though the Aadhaar is one of the most important documents in India, mandatory for availing key public and private services.
What documents are proof of Indian citizenship?
Here is a list of key documents that are considered a valid proof of citizenship in India:
- Indian Passport: While the passport is generally perceived as a mandatory travel document required for travelling to other countries, it is also a valid proof of Indian citizenship as it allows Indian nationals to claim citizenship of the Republic of India.
- Birth certificate: Government-registered authorities such as private or state-run hospitals, maternity clinics, etc, issue a birth certificate upon the birth of a child under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, It mentions the place and date of the birth of the person, and certifies that the individual is a citizen of the Republic of India as he was born in the country. People do not have this key documents issued at the time of birth can apply for the same at any point in their life by presenting some proof of birth.
- Voter ID card: The Voter ID card, which allows an Indian citizen to exercise their franchise in elections is another primary proof of Indian citizenship. However, unlike passport and birth certificate, which do not have a minimum age criteria, the Voter ID card is only issued to individuals after they turn 18, and become eligible to cast their vote in polls under the Indian Constitution.
Are there any other ways to claim Indian citizenship?
Yes, apart from the above mentioned documents, there are other categories of papers that can used to claim Indian citizenship, such as foreigner married to Indian, citizenship by registration, etc.
Why Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship?
According to the central government, Aadhaar is merely a proof of identity, not citizenship, and this difference was pointed out by the ECI during the July 10 hearing in the Supreme Court. The EC told the apex court that Aadhaar can’t validate a person’s citizenship.
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