Article 5 of the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955 provides for citizenship by registration. This provision allows certain categories of persons to apply for Indian citizenship by registering themselves with the government.
The categories of persons eligible for citizenship by registration include:
- Persons of Indian origin who have been resident in India for at least seven years prior to making the application.
- Persons of Indian origin who are ordinarily resident in any country or place outside undivided India.
- Persons who are married to a citizen of India and who have been resident in India for at least seven years prior to making the application.
- Minor children of Indian citizens.
- Persons who are of full age and capacity and whose parents are registered as citizens of India.
- Persons who are of full age and capacity and who have been registered as Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) for at least five years.
The process for obtaining citizenship by registration involves submitting an application to the appropriate authorities along with the necessary documents and fees. The application is then subject to scrutiny and verification by the authorities, and if approved, the person is granted Indian citizenship.
It is important to note that the granting of citizenship by registration is subject to certain conditions and restrictions, and the government has the power to revoke citizenship if the person is found to have provided false information or if they engage in activities that are deemed to be against the interests of India.
