Amid an ongoing debate around Indian passports, the central government shared important details in Parliament. The government stated that Indian passports go only to Indian citizens.
However, it did not directly call the passport the final and decisive proof of citizenship. The government explained that a passport mainly works as a travel document.
The government issues passports under the Passport Act, 1967. It follows a fixed procedure and completes required verification before issuing documents.
Rajya Sabha Question Leads To Government Response
Rajya Sabha MP Abdul Wahab questioned the government about passport and citizenship rules. He asked whether an Indian passport can be treated as final citizenship proof.
Additionally, he raised questions about passport eligibility and foreign citizens receiving Indian citizenship. He also asked about citizenship status after accepting another country’s nationality.
In a written reply, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh explained the process. He said the government issues passports under the Passport Act, 1967.
Furthermore, he stated that authorities issue passports only after completing required checks and verification.
Passport Requires Indian Citizenship Under Rules
The government explained that an Indian passport serves as an official document for overseas travel. It helps regulate the movement of Indian citizens outside the country.
However, the government did not provide a direct yes or no answer on citizenship proof. Therefore, the passport’s role remains limited to travel documentation.
According to the minister, only Indian citizens can receive Indian passports. Authorities verify applicants under established rules before approval.
The government also referred to the Passport Act, 1967 and related rules. Officials complete the entire verification process before issuing any passport.
India Does Not Allow Dual Citizenship
The government also clarified that India does not permit dual citizenship. It referred to Article 9 and Article 11 of the Constitution.
Officials also mentioned Section 9 of the Citizenship Act, 1955. Under these provisions, voluntary acceptance of another country’s citizenship ends Indian citizenship.
After losing Indian citizenship, the person’s Indian passport becomes invalid. The individual must return that passport to the government.
Passport Issuance Process Follows Legal Verification
The Ministry of External Affairs explained that authorities follow a verification process before issuing passports. Section 6 of the Passport Act, 1967 lists situations where officials can refuse issuance.
One major reason includes the applicant not being an Indian citizen. Therefore, Indian citizenship remains a mandatory condition for receiving a passport.
The government had shared similar views earlier as well. In June, the Ministry stated that passports mainly serve international travel purposes.
Later, Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also said Indian passports are issued to citizens for foreign travel under the Passport Act, 1967.
