Which part of the Indian Constitution deals with 'Citizenship'?

The correct answer is Part II.

Key Points

• Part II of the Indian Constitution (Articles 5-11) specifically deals with the provisions related to citizenship.
• It defines who are considered citizens of India at the commencement of the Constitution (26 January 1950).
• It provides provisions for the acquisition and termination of citizenship in India.
• Articles 5 to 9 deal with citizenship at the time of the commencement of the Constitution, while Article 10 ensures that every person who is or is deemed to be a citizen of India shall continue to be one, subject to the provisions of any law made by the Parliament.
• Article 11 empowers the Parliament to regulate the right of citizenship by law, allowing it to make laws on matters related to citizenship.

Additional Information

• Citizenship Act, 1955:
  • The Citizenship Act, 1955, provides the legal framework for acquiring, renouncing, or terminating Indian citizenship.
  • It outlines five modes of acquiring citizenship: by birth, descent, registration, naturalization, and incorporation of territory.
• Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI):
  • OCI is a scheme introduced for persons of Indian origin who have taken citizenship in another country but wish to maintain a connection with India.
  • OCI cardholders have certain rights, such as visa-free travel to India, but they are not considered full citizens and cannot vote or hold public office.
• Dual Citizenship:
  • India does not allow dual citizenship. However, the OCI scheme grants a form of restricted rights to individuals of Indian origin residing abroad.
• Constitutional Amendments:
  • The Parliament has the power to amend the provisions of Part II to address issues related to citizenship as the need arises.
  • For example, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, provides specific provisions for granting citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries.