The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that an Indian passport is a travel document and not a legal proof of citizenship. The statement came during the ongoing debate over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the passport is issued under the Passports Act, 1967. Its main purpose is to regulate the departure of Indian citizens from the country. He also highlighted that fewer than 8% of Indians currently hold a passport.
The clarification follows questions raised over whether a passport can be accepted as proof of citizenship during the SIR process. According to the MEA, passports are issued only to Indian citizens and show a person’s nationality. However, they are not considered a legal document to establish citizenship under the current rules.
The Centre has also stated that passport issuance is governed by the Passports Act, 1967 and the Passports Rules, 1980.
The issue has triggered political debate. Opposition parties, including the Congress, have criticised the government’s stand. They argued that the clarification could create confusion over citizenship rights. The Centre, however, has maintained that its position is based on existing laws.