After Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday (June 24) said that an Indian passport serves primarily as a travel and identity document and not as a definitive proof of citizenship, the Centre on Thursday clarified that a passport has never been considered proof of citizenship in the last 12 years. The government while clarifying the issue gave reference of Section 20 of the Passports Act, 1967, which provides for the issuance of passports to non-citizens.&nbsp;“Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions relating to issue of a passport or travel document, the Central Government may issue, or cause to be issued, a passport or travel document to a person who is not a citizen of India if that Government is of the opinion that it is necessary so to do in the public interest,” read the statement by the Centre referencing Section 20 of the Act states.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-thanks-pm-modi-assistance-caracas-earthquakes-1782383090265">'Spirit of cooperation' :Venezuela thanks PM Modi for offering assistance after deadly Caracas earthquakes</a>&nbsp;The judgment of the Bombay High Court from 2013 was also given as a reference to corroborate MEA's stand on Passport not a proof of citizenship. The court while hearing the case had made it clear that possession of a passport does not establish citizenship.<h2>Passport not a proof of citizenship?</h2>&nbsp;MEA clarified that under Section 5, a passport authority issues passport only after verifying that the applicant is a citizen of India. However, it may not be a proof because the document exists to grant permission to travel abroad and return to India. It acts as a document that establishes your nationality internationally, but it does not conclusively determine your underlying citizenship status. Before MEA's statement, speaking at the 14th Passport Seva Divas to mark the expansion of services, an official had also clarified that the document has legal limits.&nbsp;

The judgment of the Bombay High Court from 2013 was also given by the government as a reference to corroborate MEAs stand on Passport not a proof of citizenship.

After Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday (June 24) said that an Indian passport serves primarily as a travel and identity document and not as a definitive proof of citizenship, the Centre on Thursday clarified that a passport has never been considered proof of citizenship in the last 12 years. The government while clarifying the issue gave reference of Section 20 of the Passports Act, 1967, which provides for the issuance of passports to non-citizens. “Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions relating to issue of a passport or travel document, the Central Government may issue, or cause to be issued, a passport or travel document to a person who is not a citizen of India if that Government is of the opinion that it is necessary so to do in the public interest,” read the statement by the Centre referencing Section 20 of the Act states. ALSO READ: 'Spirit of cooperation' :Venezuela thanks PM Modi for offering assistance after deadly Caracas earthquakes The judgment of the Bombay High Court from 2013 was also given as a reference to corroborate MEA's stand on Passport not a proof of citizenship. The court while hearing the case had made it clear that possession of a passport does not establish citizenship. Passport not a proof of citizenship? MEA clarified that under Section 5, a passport authority issues passport only after verifying that the applicant is a citizen of India. However, it may not be a proof because the document exists to grant permission to travel abroad and return to India. It acts as a document that establishes your nationality internationally, but it does not conclusively determine your underlying citizenship status. Before MEA's statement, speaking at the 14th Passport Seva Divas to mark the expansion of services, an official had also clarified that the document has legal limits.

The judgment of the Bombay High Court from 2013 was also given by the government as a reference to corroborate MEA's stand on Passport not a proof of citizenship.

Passport never a proof of citizenship: Centre clarifies after MEA's remark invites criticism

The central government has consistently clarified that the Aadhar card, the important and basic document in India, is not proof of citizenship. The Election Commission of India (ECI) said to the Supreme Court after the hearing on July 10 that Aadhar doesn't validate the citizenship of any individual.&nbsp;Other than Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and ration cards, there are other identity-proving documents in India, but these documents also cannot verify one's citizenship.&nbsp;Now the question is, if the Aadhar card is not an official document that proves Indian citizenship, then what are the documents? Here's a list of all documents based on the government of India that provide valid proof.<h3>1. Valid Indian Passport</h3>Along with a necessary travel document, a passport also allows an Indian national to claim their identity as a citizen of the Republic of India. It is officially considered a valid document for proof of citizenship in the country.<h3>2. Birth Certificate</h3>When a child is born, authorities provide a birth certificate to list the place of birth. It is issued under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, and signifies a valid and primary proof of citizenship for someone who receives this document within Indian boundaries.<h3>3. Voter ID (EPIC)</h3>Along with passports and birth certificates, the next valid proof of citizenship in India is the Voter ID, or the Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC), which can be availed once the individual reaches the voting age.<h3>4. Domicile Certificates</h3>A domicile certificate also plays a significant role in proving the permanent residency of a person in a specific state or union territory. It is issued by the state government or designated authorities like the District Magistrate or Tehsildar, which is essential for accessing several state-specific benefits.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/aadhar-card-compulsory-for-filing-tax-returns">aadhar card-compulsory-for-filing-tax-returns</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

After the hearing on July 10, the Election Commission of India (ECI) confirmed to the Supreme Court that Aadhar doesn't validate the citizenship of any individual. 

The central government has consistently clarified that the Aadhar card, the important and basic document in India, is not proof of citizenship. The Election Commission of India (ECI) said to the Supreme Court after the hearing on July 10 that Aadhar doesn't validate the citizenship of any individual. Other than Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and ration cards, there are other identity-proving documents in India, but these documents also cannot verify one's citizenship. Now the question is, if the Aadhar card is not an official document that proves Indian citizenship, then what are the documents? Here's a list of all documents based on the government of India that provide valid proof. 1. Valid Indian Passport Along with a necessary travel document, a passport also allows an Indian national to claim their identity as a citizen of the Republic of India. It is officially considered a valid document for proof of citizenship in the country. 2. Birth Certificate When a child is born, authorities provide a birth certificate to list the place of birth. It is issued under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, and signifies a valid and primary proof of citizenship for someone who receives this document within Indian boundaries. 3. Voter ID (EPIC) Along with passports and birth certificates, the next valid proof of citizenship in India is the Voter ID, or the Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC), which can be availed once the individual reaches the voting age. 4. Domicile Certificates A domicile certificate also plays a significant role in proving the permanent residency of a person in a specific state or union territory. It is issued by the state government or designated authorities like the District Magistrate or Tehsildar, which is essential for accessing several state-specific benefits. Also read: aadhar card-compulsory-for-filing-tax-returns

After the hearing on July 10, the Election Commission of India (ECI) confirmed to the Supreme Court that Aadhar doesn't validate the citizenship of any individual.&nbsp;

If Aadhaar isn’t proof of Indian citizenship, what is? Govt clarifies—check details here

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Passport never a proof of citizenship: Centre clarifies after MEA's remark invites criticism

If Aadhaar isn’t proof of Indian citizenship, what is? Govt clarifies