When it comes to identity proof, documents like Aadhaar, PAN card, driving licence, and passport are commonly used. However, did you know that an Indian passport is not, in fact, proof of citizenship? A senior official from the Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that a passport is primarily a travel document, issued to facilitate international travel and establish identity abroad, rather than to certify citizenship. Here’s what you need to know about it.
Is Your Indian Passport Proof Of Your Citizenship?
During the 14th Passport Seva Divas event on Wednesday, a senior Ministry of External Affairs official said that the primary purpose of an Indian passport is to enable international travel and establish identity abroad. He went on to add that an Indian passport is mainly a travel document and should not be considered proof of citizenship.
The official clarified that while passports are issued only to Indian citizens, their main function is not to establish citizenship but to facilitate international travel and verify identity outside the country.
Also Read: Did You Know Delhi Students Will Need Passports To Explore The City?
Here’s All You Need To Know About This
According to Mint, under the Passports Act, 1967, passports are issued only to Indian citizens. Section 5 of the Act states that the passport authority can issue a passport after reviewing the application and conducting necessary inquiries. Section 6(2)(a) also requires the authority to refuse a passport if the applicant is not an Indian citizen. This means that, in practice, only citizens are eligible to receive an Indian passport.
However, despite this, the government has not officially designated the Indian passport, or any single document, as conclusive proof of citizenship.
It is also important to note that Aadhaar is strictly an identity and residence document and does not establish citizenship. In contrast, the Election Commission’s Voter ID is linked to citizenship eligibility, as only Indian citizens are permitted to be registered voters under the Representation of the People Act.
Also Read: No More Showing Passport Or Boarding Pass? Bengaluru Airport Tests Paperless Biometric Travel
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
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Does an Indian passport prove citizenship?
No, an Indian passport is not officially recognized as conclusive proof of citizenship, even though it is issued only to Indian citizens.