Constitutional Provisions Related to Citizenship
The Constitution of India provides for a single citizenship for the entire country. This means that all persons born in India, or who have been naturalized in India, are citizens of India. The Constitution also provides for the acquisition and loss of citizenship.
Acquisition of Citizenship
A person can acquire Indian citizenship by birth, descent, registration, or naturalization.
Acquisition of Citizenship by Birth
A person born in India is a citizen of India at the time of birth if either of his parents is a citizen of India at that time.
Acquisition of Citizenship by Descent
A person born outside India is a citizen of India if either of his parents is a citizen of India at the time of his birth. However, this provision does not apply if the person has acquired the citizenship of another country by virtue of his birth.
Acquisition of Citizenship by Registration
A person who is not a citizen of India can acquire Indian citizenship by registration if he has resided in India for at least 11 years out of the 14 years preceding the date of his application for registration. He must also be of good character and have a settled intention of residing in India.
Acquisition of Citizenship by Naturalization
A person who is not a citizen of India can acquire Indian citizenship by naturalization if he has resided in India for at least 12 years out of the 14 years preceding the date of his application for naturalization. He must also be of good character and have a settled intention of residing in India. He must also have a knowledge of the Hindi language or the English language.
Loss of Citizenship
A person can lose Indian citizenship if he voluntarily acquires the citizenship of another country, or if he renounces his Indian citizenship.
Rights of Citizens
The Constitution of India guarantees certain rights to all citizens of India. These rights are known as fundamental rights. The fundamental rights are:
- Right to equality
- Right to freedom
- Right against exploitation
- Right to freedom of religion
- Cultural and educational rights
- Right to constitutional remedies
Duties of Citizens
The Constitution of India also imposes certain duties on all citizens of India. These duties are:
- To abide by the Constitution and the laws of the country
- To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so
- To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India
- To preserve the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India
- To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom
- To uphold and protect the dignity of the individual
- To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity
Conclusion
The Constitution of India provides for a single citizenship for the entire country. This means that all persons born in India, or who have been naturalized in India, are citizens of India. The Constitution also provides for the acquisition and loss of citizenship. The Constitution of India also guarantees certain rights to all citizens of India, and imposes certain duties on all citizens of India.