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The
Citizenship Act, 19551
(Citizenship Act, 1955)

[Act 57 of 1955 as amended up to Act 47 of 2019 and updated as of 31st

May 2024]
[30th December, 1955]

CONTENTS

1. Short title

2. Interpretation

3. Citizenship by birth

4. Citizenship by descent

5. Citizenship by registration

6. Citizenship by naturalisation

6-A. Special provisions as to citizenship of persons covered by the

Assam Accord

6-B. Special provisions as to citizenship of person covered by

proviso to clause (b) of sub-section (1) of Section 2

7. Citizenship by incorporation of territory

7-A. Registration of Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder

7-B. Conferment of rights on Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder

7-C. Renunciation of Overseas Citizen of India Card

7-D. Cancellation of registration as Overseas Citizen of India

Cardholder

8. Renunciation of citizenship

9. Termination of citizenship

10. Deprivation of citizenship

11. Commonwealth citizenship

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12. Power to confer rights of Indian citizen or citizens of certain

countries

13. Certificate of Citizenship in case of doubt

14. Disposal of application under Sections 5 [, 6 and 7-A]

14-A. Issue of national identity cards

15. Revision

15-A. Review

16. Delegation of power

17. Offences

18. Power to make rules

19. Repeals

FIRST SCHEDULE

SECOND SCHEDULE

THIRD SCHEDULE

FOURTH SCHEDULE

———

Citizenship Act, 1955

[Act 57 of 1955] [30th
December,
1955]
An Act to provide for the acquisition and determination of Indian
citizenship
Be it enacted by Parliament in the Sixth Year of the Republic of India
as follows:—
Statement of Objects and Reasons Amending Act 65 of 1957.—
Section 2(l)(c) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, empowers the Central
Government to declare, by notification in the Official Gazette, the
citizenship or nationality law in relation to any country specified in the
First Schedule at the request of the Government of that country. Where
such a declaration is made, persons of full age and capacity who are the
citizens of that particular country may, subject to such conditions and
restrictions as may be prescribed in this behalf, be registered as
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citizens of India under the provisions of Section 5(1)(e) of the

Citizenship Act. Since the enactment of the Citizenship Act in 1955,
Ghana, the Federation of Malaya and Singapore have become
Commonwealth countries. In order to enable the Government of India
to notify, on a reciprocal basis, the citizenship or nationality law of
these countries as and when it becomes necessary, it is proposed to
amend the Act to include these countries also in the First Schedule.
Statement of Objects and Reasons Amending Act 65 of 1985.—
The core of the Memorandum of Settlement (Assam Accord) relates to
the foreigners' issue, since the agitation launched by the A.A.S.U. arose
out of their apprehensions regarding the continuing influx of foreign
nationals into Assam and the fear about adverse effects upon the
political, social, cultural and economic life of the State.
2. Assam Accord being a political settlement, legislation is required
to give effect to the relevant clauses of the Assam Accord relating to
the foreigners' issue.
3. It is intended that all persons of Indian origin who came to Assam
before the 1st January, 1966 (including such of those whose names
were included in the electoral rolls used for the purpose of General
Election to the House of the People held in 1967) and who have been
ordinarily resident in Assam ever since shall be deemed to be citizens
of India as from the 1st day of January, 1966. Further, every person of
Indian origin who came on or after the 1st January, 1966, but before
the 25th March, 1971 from territories presently included in Bangladesh
and who has been ordinarily resident in Assam ever since and who has
been detected in accordance with the provisions of the Foreigners Act,
1946 and the Foreigners (Tribunals) Orders, 1964 shall, upon
registration, be deemed to be a citizen for all purposes as from the date
of expiry of a period of ten years from the date of detection as a
foreigner. It is also intended that in the intervening period of 10 years,
these persons should not suffer from any other disability vis-a-vis
citizens, excepting the right to vote and that proper record should be
maintained of such persons. To inspire confidence, judicial element
should be associated to determine eligibility in each and every case
under this category.
4. The Bill seeks to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, to achieve the
above objectives.
Statement of Objects and Reasons Amending Act 51 of 1986.—
A large number of persons of Indian origin have entered the territory of
India from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and some African countries and they
are residing in India. Government has taken a serious view of the entry
of persons clandestinely into India and with a view to making the
provisions of the Citizenship Act relating to the grant of Indian
citizenship more stringent it is proposed inter alia to make the following
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changes in the Citizenship Act, 1955, namely—

(i) under the existing provisions every person born in India on or
after the 26th day of January, 1950, shall be a citizen of India by
birth. With a view to preventing automatic acquisition of
citizenship of India by birth, it is proposed to amend the Act to
provide that every person born in India after the commencement
of the amending Act will become a citizen of India by birth only if
at the lime of his birth either of his parents is a citizen of India;
(ii) under the Act, certain categories of persons may apply for
citizenship by registration. One such category is of those persons
of Indian origin who are ordinarily residents in India and have
been so residents for six months immediately before making an
application for registration. Another category is of women who
are, or have been, married to citizens of India. These provisions
are proposed to be made more stringent by providing that a
person would be eligible for citizenship by registration only if he is
ordinarily resident in India and have been so resident for five
years immediately before making an application for registration. It
is also proposed to change the word “women” by “person” in the
latter category so that the eligibility of citizenship through
marriage to citizens of India now admissible to women only is
extended to men also;
(iii) under the Act, a person who is not a citizen of a commonwealth
country referred to in the First Schedule to the Act may apply for
the grant of a certificate of naturalisation if he has resided in India
for the period of at least five years. It is proposed to increase this
period to ten years.
2. The Bill seeks to achieve the aforesaid objects.
Statement of Objects and Reasons Amending Act 39 of 1992.—
India is a signatory to the Convention on Elimination of all forms of
Discrimination against women adopted by the General Assembly of the
United Nations on 18th December, 1979. Article 9(2) of the Convention
requires that the “States Parties shall grant women equal rights with
men with respect to the nationality of their children”. Sub-section (1) of
Section 4 of the Citizenship Act, 1955, provides that a person born
outside India on or after 26th January, 1950, shall be a citizen of India
by descent only if his father is an Indian citizen at the time of his birth.
With a view to eliminate discrimination against women in respect of
nationality of their children and in order to bring the provisions of the
Citizenship Act, 1955, in conformity with Article 9(2) of the aforesaid
Convention, it is proposed to amend the said Act so as to provide that
every person born outside India on or after the coming into force of the
provisions of the Bill shall become a citizen of India by descent if either
of his parents is a citizen of India.
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2. The Bill seeks to achieve the aforesaid object.

Statement of Objects and Reasons Amending Act 6 of 2004.—
The Citizenship Act, 1955, which provides for the acquisition of
citizenship, after the commencement of the Constitution by birth,
descent, registration, naturalisation and incorporation of territory under
certain circumstances, and also provides for the termination and
deprivation of citizenship, was among those 109 Central Acts identified
for a review by the Commission on Review of Administrative Laws
constituted by the Central Government under the Chairmanship of Shri
P. C. Jain in 1998. Subsequently, the High Level Committee on Indian
Diaspora constituted by the Central Government, inter alia,
recommended the amendment of this Act to provide for the grant of
dual citizenship to persons of Indian origin belonging to certain
specified countries. The Central Government has accordingly decided to
make provisions for the grant of dual citizenship and has taken the
opportunity of introducing a scheme for the compulsory registration of
every citizen of India, and for this purpose to issue national identity
cards.
2. The above objects are proposed to be achieved, inter alia by
amending provisions of the Citizenship Act so as to—
(i) make acquisition of Indian citizenship by registration and
naturalisation more stringent;
(ii) prevent illegal migrants from becoming eligible for Indian
citizenship;
(iii) simplify the procedure to facilitate the reacquisition of Indian
citizenship by persons of full age who are children of Indian
citizens, and former citizens of independent India;
(iv) provide for the grant of overseas citizenship of India to persons
of Indian origin belonging to specified countries, and Indian
citizens who choose to acquire the citizenship of any of these
countries at a later date;
(v) provide for the compulsory registration and issue of a national
identity card to all citizens of India;
(vi) enhance the penalty for violation of its provisions, as well as the
rules framed under it; and
(vii) to omit all provisions recognising, or relating to the
commonwealth citizenship from the Act.
3. The Bill seeks to achieve the above objects.
1. Short title.—This Act may be called the Citizenship Act, 1955.
2. Interpretation.—(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise
requires,—
(a) “a Government in India” means the Central Government or a
State Government;
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2
[(b) “Illegal migrant” means a foreigner who has entered into
India—
(i) without a valid passport or other travel documents and such
other document or authority as may be prescribed by or
under any law in that behalf; or
(ii) with a valid passport or other travel documents and such
other document or authority as may be prescribed by or
under any law in that behalf but remains therein beyond the
permitted period of time;]
3
[Provided that any person belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist,
Jain, Parsi or Christian community from Afghanistan,
Bangladesh or Pakistan, who entered into India on or before
the 31st day of December, 2014 and who has been exempted
by the Central Government by or under clause (c) of sub-
section (2) of Section 3 of the Passport (Entry into India) Act,
1920 (34 of 1920) or from the application of the provisions of
the Foreigners Act, 1946 (31 of 1946) or any rule or order
made thereunder, shall not be treated as illegal migrant for the
purposes of this Act;]
4
(c) [* * *]
(d) “Indian consulate” means the office of any consular officer of
the Government of India where a register of births is kept, or
where there is no such office, such office as may be prescribed;
(e) “minor” means a person who has not attained the age of
eighteen years;
5
[(ee) “Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder” means a person
registered as an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder by the
Central Government under Section 7-A;]
(f) “person” does not include any company or association or body
of individuals, whether incorporated or not;
► Citizen, who is.—All citizens are nationals of a particular State but all
nationals may not be citizens of the State, State Trading Corporation of India Ltd.
v. Commercial Tax Officer, 1963 SCC OnLine SC 3 : (1964) 4 SCR 99 : AIR
1963 SC 1811.
(g) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;
(gg) 6[* * *]
(h) “undivided India” means India as defined in the Government
of India Act, 1935, as originally enacted.
(2) For the purposes of this Act, a person born aboard a registered
ship or aircraft, or aboard an unregistered ship or aircraft of the
Government of any country, shall be deemed to have been born in the
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place in which the ship or aircraft was registered or, as the case may
be, in that country.
(3) Any reference in this Act to the status or description of the father
of a person at the time of that person's birth shall, in relation to a
person born after the death of his father, be construed as a reference to
the status or description of the father at the time of the father's death;
and where that death occurred before, and the birth occurs after the
commencement of this Act, the status or description which would have
been applicable to the father had he died after the commencement of
this Act shall be deemed to be the status or description applicable to
him at the time of his death.
(4) For the purposes of this Act, a person shall be deemed to be of
full age if he is not a minor and of full capacity if he is not of unsound
mind.
Acquisition of Citizenship
7
[3. Citizenship by birth.—(1) Except as provided in sub-section (2),
every person born in India—
(a) on or after the 26th day of January, 1950, but before the 1st
day of July, 1987;
(b) on or after the 1st day of July, 1987, but before the
commencement of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003 and
either of whose parents is a citizen of India at the time of his
birth;
(c) on or after the commencement of the Citizenship
(Amendment) Act, 2003, where—
(i) both of his parents are citizens of India; or
(ii) one of whose parents is a citizen of India and the other is
not an illegal migrant at the time of his birth,
shall be a citizen of India by birth.
(2) A person shall not be a citizen of India by virtue of this section if
at the time of his birth—
(a) either his father or mother possesses such immunity from
suits and legal process as is accorded to an envoy of a foreign
sovereign power accredited to the President of India and he or
she, as the case may be, is not a citizen of India; or
(b) his father or mother is an enemy alien and the birth occurs in
a place then under occupation by the enemy.]
8
4. Citizenship by descent.— [(1) A person born outside India shall
be a citizen of India by descent,—
(a) on or after the 26th day of January, 1950, but before the 10th
day of December, 1992, if his father is a citizen of India at the
time of his birth; or
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(b) on or after the 10th day of December, 1992, if either of his

parents is a citizen of India at the time of his birth:
Provided that if the father of a person referred to in clause (a)
was a citizen of India by descent only, that person shall not be
a citizen of India by virtue of this section unless—
(a) his birth is registered at an Indian consulate within one
year of its occurrence or the commencement of this Act,
whichever is later, or, with the permission of the Central
Government, after the expiry of the said period; or
(b) his father is, at the time of his birth, in service under a
Government in India:
Provided further that if either of the parents of a person
referred to in clause (b) was a citizen of India by descent only,
that person shall not be a citizen of India by virtue of this
section, unless—
(a) his birth is registered at an Indian consulate within one
year of its occurrence or on or after the 10th day of
December, 1992, whichever is later, or, with the permission
of the Central Government, after the expiry of the said
period; or
(b) either of his parents is, at the time of his birth, in service
under a Government in India:
Provided also that on or after the commencement of the
Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003, a person shall not be a
citizen of India by virtue of this section, unless his birth is
registered at an Indian consulate in such form and in such
manner, as may be prescribed,—
(i) within one year of its occurrence or the commencement of
the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003, whichever is later;
or
(ii) with the permission of the Central Government, after the
expiry of the said period:
Provided also that no such birth shall be registered unless the
parents of such person declare, in such form and in such
manner as may be prescribed, that the minor does not hold the
passport of another country.
(1-A) A minor who is a citizen of India by virtue of this section and is
also a citizen of any other country shall cease to be a citizen of India if
he does not renounce the citizenship or nationality of another country
within six months of attaining full age.]
(2) If the Central Government so directs, a birth shall be deemed for
the purposes of this section to have been registered with its
permission, notwithstanding that its permission was not obtained
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before the registration.

(3) For the purposes of the proviso to sub-section (1), 9[any person]
born outside undivided India who was, or was deemed to be, a citizen
of India at the commencement of the Constitution shall be deemed to
be a citizen of India by descent only.
5. Citizenship by registration.—10[(1) Subject to the provisions of
this section and such other conditions and restrictions as may be
prescribed, the Central Government may, on an application made in
this behalf, register as a citizen of India any person not being an illegal
migrant who is not already such citizen by virtue of the Constitution or
of any other provision of this Act if he belongs to any of the following
categories, namely:—
(a) a person of Indian origin who is ordinarily resident in India for
seven years before making an application for registration;
(b) a person of Indian origin who is ordinarily resident in any
country or place outside undivided India;
(c) a person who is married to a citizen of India and is ordinarily
resident in India for seven years before making an application
for registration;
(d) minor children of persons who are citizens of India;
(e) a person of full age and capacity whose parents are registered
as citizens of India under clause (a) of this sub-section for sub-
section (1) of Section 6;
(f) a person of full age and capacity who, or either of his parents,
11
was earlier citizen of independent India, and [is ordinarily
resident in India for twelve months] immediately before
making an application for registration;
(g) a person of full age and capacity who has been registered as
12
an [Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder] for five years, and
who 13[is ordinarily resident in India for twelve months] before
making an application for registration.
Explanation 1.—For the purposes of clauses (a) and (c), an applicant
shall be deemed to be ordinarily resident in India if—
(i) he has resided in India throughout the period of twelve months
immediately before making an application for registration; and
(ii) he has resided in India during the eight years immediately
preceding the said period of twelve months for a period of not
less than six years.
Explanation 2.—For the purposes of this sub-section, a person shall
be deemed to be of Indian origin if he, or either of his parents, was
born in undivided India or in such other territory which became part of
India after the 15th day of August, 1947.]
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14
[(1-A) The Central Government, if it is satisfied that special
circumstances exist, may after recording the circumstances in writing,
relax the period of twelve months, specified in clauses (f) and (g) and
clause (i) of Explanation 1 of sub-section (1), up to a maximum of
thirty days which may be in different breaks.]
(2) No person being of full age shall be registered as a citizen of
India under sub-section (1) until he has taken the oath of allegiance in
the form specified in the Second Schedule.
(3) No person who has renounced, or has been deprived of, his
Indian citizenship or whose Indian citizenship has terminated, under
this Act shall be registered as a citizen of India under sub-section (1)
except by order of the Central Government.
(4) The Central Government may, if satisfied that there are special
circumstances justifying such registration, cause any minor to be
registered as a citizen of India.
(5) A person registered under this section shall be a citizen of India
by registration as from the date on which he is so registered; and a
person registered under the provisions of clause (b)(ii) of Article 6 or
Article 8 of the Constitution shall be deemed to be a citizen of India by
registration as from the commencement of the Constitution or the date
on which he was so registered, whichever may be later.
15
[(6) If the Central Government is satisfied that circumstances exist
which render it necessary to grant exemption from the residential
requirement under clause (c) of sub-section (1) to any person or a class
of persons, it may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, grant such
exemption.]
► Interpretation/Construction.—“Persons of Indian Origin” means persons
who are themselves or either of whose parents are born in undivided India,
Azimusshan Haider v. Union of India, 2008 SCC OnLine Del 773 : (2008) 71 AIC
299 (Del).
► Requirements.—Persons who had renounced their Indian Citizenship
could not be registered as citizen of India except by an order of the Central
Government. Section 5(1)(b) does not make statelessness as condition precedent
for registration, Azimusshan Haider v. Union of India, 2008 SCC OnLine Del
773 : (2008) 71 AIC 299 (Del).
► Citizenship to Chakma and Hajong refugees.—Directions issued to
expedite grant of citizenship to Chakma and Hajong refugees, Committee for
Citizenship Rights of the Chakmas of Arunachal Pradesh v. State of Arunachal
Pradesh, (2016) 15 SCC 540.
6. Citizenship by naturalisation.—(1) Where an application is made
in the prescribed manner by any person of full age and capacity 16[not
being an illegal migrant] for the grant of a certificate of naturalisation
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to him, the Central Government may, if satisfied that the applicant is

qualified for naturalisation under the provisions of the Third Schedule,
grant to him a certificate of naturalisation:
Provided that, if in the opinion of the Central Government, the
applicant is a person who has rendered distinguished service to the
cause of science, philosophy, art, literature, world peace or human
progress generally, it may waive all or any of the conditions specified in
the Third Schedule.
(2) The person to whom a certificate of naturalisation is granted
under sub-section (1) shall, on taking the oath of allegiance in the form
specified in the Second Schedule, be a citizen of India by naturalisation
as from the date on which that certificate is granted.
17
[6-A. Special provisions as to citizenship of persons covered by the
Assam Accord.—(1) For the purposes of this section—
(a) “Assam” means the territories included in the State of Assam
immediately before the commencement of the Citizenship
(Amendment) Act, 1985;
(b) “detected to be a foreigner” means detected to be a foreigner
in accordance with the provisions of the Foreigners Act, 1946
(31 of 1946) and the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964 by a
Tribunal constituted under the said Order;
(c) “specified territory” means the territories included in
Bangladesh immediately before the commencement of the
Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 1985;
(d) a person shall be deemed to be of Indian origin, if he, or
either of his parents or any of his grandparents was born in
undivided India;
(e) a person shall be deemed to have been detected to be a
foreigner on the date on which a Tribunal constituted under the
Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964 submits its opinion to the
effect that he is a foreigner to the officer or authority
concerned.
(2) Subject to the provisions of sub-sections (6) and (7), all persons
of Indian origin who came before the 1st day of January, 1966 to
Assam from the specified territory (including such of those whose
names were included in the electoral rolls used for the purposes of the
General Election to the House of the People held in 1967) and who have
been ordinarily resident in Assam since the dates of their entry into
Assam shall be deemed to be citizens of India as from the 1st day of
January, 1966.
(3) Subject to the provisions of sub-sections (6) and (7), every
person of Indian origin who—
(a) came to Assam on or after the 1st day of January, 1966 but
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before the 25th day of March, 1971 from the specified territory;
and
(b) has, since the date of his entry into Assam, been ordinarily
resident in Assam; and
(c) has been detected to be a foreigner,
shall register himself in accordance with the rules made by the Central
Government in this behalf under Section 18 with such authority
(thereafter in this sub-section referred to as the registering authority)
as may be specified in such rules and if his name is included in any
electoral roll for any Assembly or Parliamentary constituency in force on
the date of such detection, his name shall be deleted therefrom.
Explanation.—In the case of every person seeking registration under
this sub-section, the opinion of the Tribunal constituted under the
Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964 holding such person to be a
foreigner, shall be deemed to be sufficient proof of the requirement
under clause (c) of this sub-section and if any question arises as to
whether such person complies with any other requirement under this
sub-section, the registering authority shall,—
(i) if such opinion contains a finding with respect to such other
requirement, decide the question in conformity with such
finding;
(ii) if such opinion does not contain a finding with respect to such
other requirement, refer the question to a Tribunal constituted
under the said Order having jurisdiction in accordance with
such rules as the Central Government may make in this behalf
under Section 18 and decide the question in conformity with
the opinion received on such reference.
(4) A person registered under sub-section (3) shall have, as from the
date on which he has been detected to be a foreigner and till the expiry
of a period of ten years from that date, the same rights and obligations
as a citizen of India [including the right to obtain a passport under the
Passports Act, 1967 (15 of 1967) and the obligations connected
therewith], but shall not be entitled to have his name included in any
electoral roll for any Assembly or Parliamentary constituency at any
time before the expiry of the said period of ten years.
(5) A person registered under sub-section (3) shall be deemed to be
a citizen of India for all purposes as from the date of expiry of a period
of ten years from the date on which he has been detected to be a
foreigner.
(6) Without prejudice to the provisions of Section 8,—
(a) if any person referred to in sub-section (2) submits in the
prescribed manner and form and to the prescribed authority
within sixty days from the date of commencement of the
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Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 1985 (65 of 1985), a declaration

that he does not wish to be a citizen of India, such person shall
not be deemed to have become a citizen of India under that
sub-section;
(b) if any person referred to in sub-section (3) submits in the
prescribed manner and form and to the prescribed authority
within sixty days from the date of commencement of the
Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 1985 (65 of 1985) or from the
date on which he has been detected to be a foreigner,
whichever is later, a declaration that he does not wish to be
governed by the provisions of that sub-section and sub-
sections (4) and (5), it shall not be necessary for such person
to register himself under sub-section (3).
Explanation.—Where a person required to file a declaration under
this sub-section does not have the capacity to enter into a contract,
such declaration may be filed on his behalf by any person competent
under the law for the time being in force to act on his behalf.
(7) Nothing in sub-sections (2) to (6) shall apply in relation to any
person—
(a) who, immediately before the commencement of the
Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 1985 (65 of 1985), is a citizen
of India;
(b) who was expelled from India before the commencement of the
Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 1985, under the Foreigners Act,
1946 (31 of 1946), for a year.
(8) Save as otherwise expressly provided in this section, the
provisions of this section shall have effect notwithstanding anything
contained in any other law for the time being in force.]
► Illegal immigrants from Bangladesh in Assam.—Challenge to Section 6-
A after a delay of 27 yrs (said section inserted in 1985), is maintainable, Assam
Sanmilita Mahasangha v. Union of India, (2015) 3 SCC 1.
18
[6-B. Special provisions as to citizenship of person covered by
proviso to clause (b) of sub-section (1) of Section 2.—(1) The Central
Government or an authority specified by it in this behalf may, subject
to such conditions, restrictions and manner as may be prescribed, on
an application made in this behalf, grant a certificate of registration or
certificate of naturalisation to a person referred to in the proviso to
clause (b) of sub-section (1) of Section 2.
(2) Subject to fulfilment of the conditions specified in Section 5 or
the qualifications for naturalisation under the provisions of the Third
Schedule, a person granted the certificate of registration or certificate
of naturalisation under sub-section (1) shall be deemed to be a citizen
of India from the date of his entry into India.
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(3) On and from the date of commencement of the Citizenship

(Amendment) Act, 2019, any proceeding pending against a person
under this section in respect of illegal migration or citizenship shall
stand abated on conferment of citizenship to him:
Provided that such person shall not be disqualified for making
application for citizenship under this section on the ground that the
proceeding is pending against him and the Central Government or
authority specified by it in this behalf shall not reject his application on
that ground if he is otherwise found qualified for grant of citizenship
under this section:
Provided further that the person who makes the application for
citizenship under this section shall not be deprived of his rights and
privileges to which he was entitled on the date of receipt of his
application on the ground of making such application.
(4) Nothing in this section shall apply to tribal area of Assam,
Meghalaya, Mizoram or Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule to the
Constitution and the area covered under “The Inner Line” notified under
the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 (Reg. 5 of 1873).]
7. Citizenship by incorporation of territory.—If any territory becomes
a part of India, the Central Government may, by order notified in the
Official Gazette, specify the persons who shall be citizens of India by
reason of their connection with that territory; and those persons shall
be citizens of India as from the date to be specified in the order.
19
[Overseas Citizenship
20
[7-A. Registration of Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder.—(1)
The Central Government may, subject to such conditions, restrictions
and manner as may be prescribed, on an application made in this
behalf, register as an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder—
(a) any person of full age and capacity,—
(i) who is a citizen of another country, but was a citizen of
India at the time of, or at any time after the commencement
of the Constitution; or
(ii) who is a citizen of another country, but was eligible to
become a citizen of India at the time of the commencement
of the Constitution; or
(iii) who is a citizen of another country, but belonged to a
territory that became part of India after the 15th day of
August, 1947; or
(iv) who is a child or a grandchild or a great grandchild of such
a citizen; or
(b) a person, who is a minor child of a person mentioned in clause
(a); or
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(c) a person, who is a minor child, and whose both parents are
citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India; or
(d) spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of
foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder
registered under Section 7-A and whose marriage has been
registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less
than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the
application under this section:
Provided that for the eligibility for registration as an Overseas
Citizen of India Cardholder, such spouse shall be subjected to
prior security clearance by a competent authority in India:
Provided further that no person, who or either of whose parents
or grandparents or great grandparents is or had been a citizen
of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such other country as the Central
Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,
specify, shall be eligible for registration as an Overseas Citizen
of India Cardholder under this sub-section.
(2) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official
Gazette, specify the date from which the existing Persons of Indian
Origin Cardholders shall be deemed to be Overseas Citizens of India
Cardholders.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, “Persons of
Indian Origin Cardholders” means the persons registered as such under
notification number 26011/4/98 F.I., dated the 19th August, 2002,
issued by the Central Government in this regard.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the
Central Government may, if it is satisfied that special circumstances
exist, after recording the circumstances in writing, register a person as
an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder.]
21
[7-B. Conferment of rights on Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder.
—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time
being in force, an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder shall be entitled
to such rights, other than the rights specified under sub-section (2), as
the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,
specify in this behalf.
(2) An Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder shall not be entitled to
the rights conferred on a citizen of India—
(a) under Article 16 of the Constitution with regard to equality of
opportunity in matters of public employment;
(b) under Article 58 of the Constitution for election as President;
(c) under Article 66 of the Constitution for election as Vice-
President;
(d) under Article 124 of the Constitution for appointment as a
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Judge of the Supreme Court;

(e) under Article 217 of the Constitution for appointment as a
Judge of the High Court;
(f) under Section 16 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950
(43 of 1950) in regard to registration as a voter;
(g) under Sections 3 and 4 of the Representation of the People
Act, 1951 (43 of 1951) with regard to the eligibility for being a
member of the House of the People or of the Council of States,
as the case may be;
(h) under Sections 5, 5-A and Section 6 of the Representation of
the People Act, 1951 (43 of 1951) with regard to the eligibility
for being a member of the Legislative Assembly or the
Legislative Council, as the case may be, of a State;
(i) for appointment to public services and posts in connection with
affairs of the Union or of any State except for appointment in
such services and posts as the Central Government may, by
special order in that behalf, specify.
(3) Every notification issued under sub-section (1) shall be laid
before each House of Parliament.]
► Registration of overseas citizen.—Only Indian passport holders will be
permitted to represent India in international sports events. The very wording of
Section 7-B of the Act indicates that what is meant to be granted to Overseas
Citizen of India or a Person of Indian Origin is a limited right. Secondly, it is a
statutory right and not a fundamental or constitutional right, Karm Kumar v. Union
of India, 2010 SCC OnLine Del 2579 : (2010) 172 DLT 521 (Del).
22
[7-C. Renunciation of Overseas Citizen of India Card.—(1) If any
Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder of full age and capacity makes in
prescribed manner a declaration renouncing the Card registering him as
an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder, the declaration shall be
registered by the Central Government, and upon such registration, that
person shall cease to be an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder.
(2) Where a person ceases to be an Overseas Citizen of India
Cardholder under sub-section (1), the spouse of foreign origin of that
person, who has obtained Overseas Citizen of India Card under clause
(d) of sub-section (1) of Section 7-A, and every minor child of that
person registered as an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder shall
thereupon cease to be an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder.]
23
[7-D. Cancellation of registration as Overseas Citizen of India
Cardholder.—The Central Government may, by order, cancel the
registration granted under sub-section (1) of Section 7-A, if it is
satisfied that—
(a) the registration as an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder
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was obtained by means of fraud, false representation or the

concealment of any material fact; or
(b) the Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder has shown
disaffection towards the Constitution, as by law established; or
(c) the Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder has, during any war
in which India may be engaged, unlawfully traded or
communicated with an enemy or been engaged in, or
associated with, any business or commercial activity that was
to his knowledge carried on in such manner as to assist an
enemy in that war; or
(d) the Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder has, within five years
after registration under sub-section (1) of Section 7-A, been
sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than two
years; or
24
[(da) the Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder has violated any
of the provisions of this Act or provisions of any other law for
time being in force as may be specified by the Central
Government in the notification published in the Official
Gazette; or]
(e) it is necessary so to do in the interests of the sovereignty and
integrity of India, the security of India, friendly relations of
India with any foreign country, or in the interests of the
general public; or
(f) the marriage of an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder, who
has obtained such Card under clause (d) of sub-section (1) of
Section 7-A,—
(i) has been dissolved by a competent court of law or
otherwise; or
(ii) has not been dissolved but, during the subsistence of such
marriage, he has solemnised marriage with any other
person : ]
25
[Provided that no order under this section shall be passed
unless the Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder has been given
a reasonable opportunity of being heard.]
Termination of Citizenship
8. Renunciation of citizenship.—(1) If any citizen of India of full age
26
and capacity, [* * *] makes in the prescribed manner a declaration
renouncing his Indian Citizenship, the declaration shall be registered by
the prescribed authority; and, upon such registration, that person shall
cease to be a citizen of India:
Provided that if any such declaration is made during any war in
which India may be engaged, registration thereof shall be withheld
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until the Central Government otherwise directs.

(2) Where 27[a person] ceases to be a citizen of India under sub-
section (1) every minor child of that person shall thereupon cease to be
a citizen of India:
Provided that any such child may, within one year after attaining full
28
age, make a declaration [in the prescribed form and manner] that he
wishes to resume Indian Citizenship and shall thereupon again become
a citizen of India.
29
(3) [* * *]
9. Termination of citizenship.—(1) Any citizen of India who by
naturalisation, registration or otherwise voluntarily acquires, or has at
any time between the 26th January, 1950 and the commencement of
this Act voluntarily acquired, the citizenship of another country shall,
upon such acquisition or, as the case may be, such commencement,
cease to be a citizen of India:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to a citizen of
India who, during any war in which India may be engaged, voluntarily
acquires the citizenship of another country, until the Central
Government otherwise directs.
(2) If any question arises as to whether, when or how any 30[citizen
of India] has acquired the citizenship of another country, it shall be
determined by such authority, in such manner, and having regard to
such rules of evidence, as may be prescribed in this behalf.
► Nature and scope.—This section covers all cases where an Indian citizen
has acquired foreign nationality between January 26, 1950 and its
commencement. The words “or has at any time between 26-1-1950 and the
commencement of the Act voluntarily acquired the citizenship of another country”,
would become redundant if only prospective operation is given to Section 9(1) of
the Act, State of U.P. v. Shah Mohammed, (1969) 1 SCC 771.
Section 9(2) does not prevent a civil court from determining the question
concerning the nationality of a person, Akbar Khan v. Union of India, 1961 SCC
OnLine SC 4 : (1962) 1 SCR 779.
► Validity of provision.—Schedule III, Rule 3, Citizenship Rules, 1956,
which makes it obligatory on the enquiring authority to infer the acquisition of
citizenship of foreign country from the fact that the passport of foreign country
has been obtained by an Indian citizen, is a ‘rule of evidence’ and falls withing the
scope prescribed by S. 9(2) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. The challenge to the
validity on the ground that it is rule of substantive law, thus failed, Izhar Ahmad v.
Union of India, 1962 SCC OnLine SC 1 : 1962 Supp 3 SCR 235.
► Applicability.—Section 9 of the Citizenship Act applies to a situation where
the question is whether an Indian Citizen lost his citizenship by acquiring the
citizenship of a foreign country. Section 9 does not apply where a foreigner
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clandestinely entered India and staying there, Mohd. Elahi v. State of W.B., 2008
SCC OnLine Cal 706 : (2009) 1 CHN 451.
► Question of fact.—On the question whether a party to the case is a
foreigner, Section 9 deals with determination of citizenship of India in certain
circumstances. A proceeding under Article 226 would not be appropriate for a
decision on such question, Union of India v. Ghaus Mohammad, 1961 SCC
OnLine SC 2 : (1962) 1 SCR 744. See also Govt. of A.P. v. Mohd. Khan, 1962
SCC OnLine SC 2 : 1962 Supp 3 SCR 288 : AIR 1962 SC 1778, State of U.P. v.
Rehmatullah, (1971) 2 SCC 113 and State of U.P. v. Shah Mohammed, (1969) 1
SCC 771.
► Enquiry.—Though an enquiry under Section 9(2) is a quasi-judicial
enquiry, it is only when a plea is raised that citizen had not voluntarily obtained the
passport that he should be afforded an opportunity to prove his case, Mohd. Ilyas
v. Union of India, (1970) 3 SCC 61.
► Prosecution of a person.—Prosecution of a person on ground that he has
lost citizenship by acquiring a citizenship of foreign country can be initiated only
after termination of his Indian Citizenship, Mohd. Elahi v. State of W.B., 2008
SCC OnLine Cal 706 : (2009) 74 AIC 747 (Cal).
10. Deprivation of citizenship.—(1) A citizen of India who is such by
naturalisation or by virtue only of clause (c) of Article 5 of the
Constitution or by registration otherwise than under clause (b)(ii) of
Article 6 of the Constitution or clause (a) of sub-section (1) of Section 5
of this Act, shall cease to be a citizen of India, if he is deprived of the
citizenship by an order of the Central Government under this section.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Central Government
may, by order, deprive any such citizen of Indian citizenship, if it is
satisfied that—
(a) the registration or certificate of naturalisation was obtained by
means of fraud, false representation or the concealment of any
material fact; or
(b) the citizen has shown himself by act or speech to be disloyal
or disaffected towards the Constitution of India as by law
established; or
(c) that citizen has, during any war in which India may be
engaged unlawfully traded or communicated with an enemy or
been engaged in, or associated with, any business that was to
his knowledge carried on in such manner as to assist an enemy
in that war; or
(d) that citizen has, within five years after registration or
naturalisation, been sentenced in any country to imprisonment
for a term of not less than two years; or
(e) that citizen has been ordinarily resident out of India for a
continuous period of seven years, and during that period, has
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neither been at any time a student of any educational

institution in a country outside India or in the service of a
Government in India or of an international organisation of
which India is a member, nor registered annually in the
prescribed manner at an Indian consulate his intention to
retain his citizenship of India.
(3) The Central Government shall not deprive a person of citizenship
under this section unless it is satisfied that it is not conducive to the
public good that the person should continue to be a citizen of India.
(4) Before making an order under this section, the Central
Government shall give the person against whom the order is proposed
to be made notice in writing informing him of the ground on which it is
proposed to be made and, if the order is proposed to be made on any of
the grounds specified in sub-section (2) other than clause (e) thereof,
of his right, upon making application therefor in the prescribed manner,
to have his case referred to a committee of inquiry under this section.
(5) If the order is proposed to be made against a person on any of
the grounds specified in sub-section (2) other than clause (e) thereof
and that person so applies in the prescribed manner, the Central
Government shall, and in any other case it may, refer the case to a
Committee of Inquiry consisting of a chairman (being a person who has
for at least ten years held a judicial office) and two other members
appointed by the Central Government in this behalf.
(6) The Committee of Inquiry shall, on such reference, hold the
inquiry in such manner as may be prescribed and submit its report to
the Central Government; and the Central Government shall ordinarily
be guided by such report in making an order under this section.
► Deprivation of citizenship.—Exercise of power under clause (a) of sub-
section (2) of Section 10, cannot, be exercised unless fraud, false representation
or suppression of a material fact exists. Ghaurul Hasan v. State of Rajasthan,
1961 SCC OnLine SC 3 : AIR 1967 SC 107 : (1962) 1 SCR 772.

11. Commonwealth citizenship.—31[* * *]

Supplemental
12. Power to confer rights of Indian citizen or citizens of certain
countries.—32[* * *]
13. Certificate of Citizenship in case of doubt.—The Central
Government may, in such cases as it thinks fit, certify that a person,
with respect to whose citizenship of India a doubt exists, is a citizen of
India; and a certificate issued under this section shall, unless it is
proved that it was obtained by means of fraud, false representation or
concealment of any material fact, be conclusive evidence that that
person was such a citizen on the date thereof, but without prejudice to
any evidence that he was such a citizen at an earlier date.
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14. Disposal of application under Sections 5 33[, 6 and 7-A].—(1)

The prescribed authority or the Central Government may, in its
34
discretion, grant or refuse an application under [Sections 5, 6 or 7-A]
and shall not be required to assign any reasons for such grant or
refusal.
(2) Subject to the provisions of Section 15 the decision of the
prescribed authority or the Central Government on any such application
as aforesaid shall be final and shall not be called in question in any
court.
35
[14-A. Issue of national identity cards.—(1) The Central
Government may compulsorily register every citizen of India and issue
national identity card to him.
(2) The Central Government may maintain a National Register of
Indian Citizens and for that purpose establish a National Registration
Authority.
(3) On and from the date of commencement of the Citizenship
(Amendment) Act, 2003, the Registrar General, India, appointed under
sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Registration of Births and Deaths
Act, 1969 (18 of 1969) shall act as the National Registration Authority
and he shall function as the Registrar General of Citizen Registration.
(4) The Central Government may appoint such other officers and
staff as may be required to assist the Registrar General of Citizen
Registration in discharging his functions and responsibilities.
(5) The procedure to be followed in compulsory registration of the
citizens of India shall be such as may be prescribed.]
15. Revision.—(1) Any person aggrieved by an order made under
this Act by the prescribed authority or any officer or other authority
(other than the Central Government) may, within a period of thirty days
from the date of the order, make an application to the Central
Government for revision of that order:
Provided that the Central Government may entertain the application
after the expiry of the said period of thirty days, if it is satisfied that the
applicant was prevented by sufficient cause from making the
application in time.
(2) On receipt of any such application under sub-section (1), the
Central Government shall, after considering the application of the
aggrieved person and any report thereon which the officer or authority
making the order may submit, make such order in relation to the
application as it deems fit, and the decision on the Central Government
shall be final.
36
[15-A. Review.—(1) Any person aggrieved by an order made by
the Central Government, may, within thirty days from the date of such
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order, make an application for review of such order:

Provided that the Central Government may entertain an application
after the expiry of the said period of thirty days, if it is satisfied that the
applicant was prevented by sufficient cause from making the
application in time:
Provided further that an application for a review of an order passed
in terms of the provisions of Section 14-A shall be disposed of in the
manner provided for in the procedure as may be laid down under clause
(ia) of sub-section (2) of Section 18.
(2) On receipt of an application under sub-section (1), the Central
Government shall, make such order as it deems fit, and the decision of
the Central Government on such review shall be final.]
► Nature and scope.—If the original order of cancellation did not attract the
principle of audi alteram partem an order in review under Section 15-A would not
attract the said doctrine either, Satish Nambiar v. Union of India, 2008 SCC
OnLine Del 599 : (2008) 103 DRJ 554 (DB).
16. Delegation of power.—The Central Government may, by order,
direct that any power which is conferred on it by any of the provisions
of this Act other than those of Section 10 and Section 18 shall, in such
circumstances and under such conditions, if any, as may be specified in
the order, be exercisable also by such officer or authority as may be so
specified.
17. Offences.—Any person who, for the purpose of procuring
anything to be done or not to be done under this Act, knowingly makes
any representation which is false in a material particular shall be
37
punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to [five
38
years], or with fine [which may extend to fifty thousand rupees], or
with both.
18. Power to make rules.—(1) The Central Government may, by
notification in the Official Gazette make rules to carry out the purposes
of this Act.
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the
foregoing power, such rules may provide for—
(a) the registration of anything required or authorized under this
Act to be registered, and the conditions and restrictions in
regard to such registration;
39
[(aa) the form and manner in which a declaration under sub-
section (1) of Section 4 shall be made;]
(b) the forms to be used and the registers to be maintained under
this Act;
(c) the administration and taking of oaths of allegiance under this
Act, and the time within which, and the manner in which, such
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oaths shall be taken and recorded;

(d) the giving of any notice required or authorized to be given by
any person under this Act;
(e) the cancellation of the registration of, and the cancellation and
amendment of certificate of naturalisation relating to, persons
deprived of citizenship under this Act, and the delivering up of
such certificates for those purposes;
40
[(ee) the manner and form in which and the authority to whom
declarations referred to in clauses (a) and (b) of sub-section
(6) of Section 6-A shall be submitted and other matters
connected with such declarations;]
41
[(eei) the conditions, restrictions and manner for granting
certificate of registration or certificate of naturalisation under
sub-section (1) of Section 6-B;]
42
[(eea) the conditions and the manner subject to which a person
may be registered as an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder
under sub-section (1) of Section 7-A;]
43
[(eeb) the manner of making declaration for renunciation of
Overseas Citizen of India Card under sub-section (1) of Section
7-C;]
(f) the registration at Indian consulates of the births and deaths
of persons of any class or description born or dying outside
India;
(g) the levy and collection of fees in respect of applications,
registrations, declarations and certificates under this Act, in
respect of the taking of an oath of allegiance, and in respect of
the supply of certified or other copies of documents;
(h) the authority to determine the question of acquisition of
citizenship of another country, the procedure to be followed by
such authority and rules of evidence relating to such cases;
(i) the procedure to be followed by the committees of inquiry
appointed under Section 10 and the conferment on such
committees of any of the powers, rights and privileges of civil
courts;
44
[(ia) the procedure to be followed in compulsory registration of
the citizens of India under sub-section (5) of Section 14-A;]
(j) the manner in which applications for revision may be made
and the procedure to be followed by the Central Government in
dealing with such applications; and
(k) any other matter which is to be, or may be, prescribed under
this Act.
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(3) In making any rule under this section, the Central Government
may provide that breach thereof shall be punishable with fine which
may extend to one thousand rupees:
45
[Provided that any rule made in respect of a matter specified in
clause (ia) of sub-section (2) may provide that a breach thereof shall
be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three
months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with
both.]
46
[(4) Every rule made under this section shall be laid, as soon as
may be after it is made before each House of Parliament, while it is in
session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one
session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry
of the session immediately following the session or the successive
sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in
the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the
rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no
effect, as the case may be; so, however that any such modification or
annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything
previously done under that rule.]
► National Register of Citizens of India (NRC).—Complete draft of NRC for
State of Assam, prepared after claims/objections, cannot be basis for any action
by authorities. Authorities must grant reasonable opportunity to each concerned,
Assam Public Works v. Union of India, (2018) 9 SCC 229.
► Right of appeal.—Right of appeal to Foreigners Tribunal regarding
preparation and publication procedure of National Register of Citizens for the
State of Assam, under Para 8 of the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and
Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, not available to persons in respect
of whom Foreigners Tribunal has already declared their citizenship status as
Indian Nationals or Foreigners under the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964
issued under Section 3, Foreigners Act, 1946. Right of appeal under Para 8 is
only available to persons whose citizenship status has not been declared by
Foreigners Tribunal, Abdul Kuddus v. Union of India, (2019) 6 SCC 604.
47
19. Repeals.— [* * *]
FIRST SCHEDULE
48
[* * *]
49
[SECOND SCHEDULE
[See Sections 5(2) and 6(2)]
Oath of Allegiance
I, A/B ………………………. do solemnly affirm (or swear) that I will bear
true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law
established, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of India and fulfil
my duties as a citizen of India.]
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THIRD SCHEDULE
[See Section 6(1)]
Qualifications for Naturalisation
50
The qualifications for naturalisation of a person [* * *] are:—
(a) that he is not a subject or citizen of any country where citizens of
India are prevented by law or practice of that country from
becoming subjects or citizens of that country by naturalisation;
51
(b) that, if he is a citizen of any country, [he undertakes to
renounce the citizenship of that country in the event of his
application for Indian citizenship being accepted];
(c) that he has either resided in India or been in the service of a
Government in India or partly the one and partly the other,
throughout the period of twelve months immediately preceding
the date of the application:
52
[Provided that if the Central Government is satisfied that special
circumstances exist, it may, after recording the circumstances in
writing, relax the period of twelve months up to a maximum of thirty
days which may be in different breaks;]
53
(d) that during the [fourteen years] immediately preceding the
said period of twelve months, he has either resided in India or
been in the service of a Government in India, or partly the one
and partly the other, for periods amounting in the aggregate to
54
not less than [eleven years]:
55
[Provided that for the person belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist,
Jain, Parsi or Christian community in Afghanistan, Bangladesh or
Pakistan, the aggregate period of residence or service of Government in
India as required under this clause shall be read as “not less than five
years” in place of “not less than eleven years”.]
(e) that he is of good character;
(f) that he has an adequate knowledge of a language specified in the
Eighth Schedule to the Constitution; and
(g) that in the event of a certificate of naturalisation being granted
to him, he intends to reside in India, or to enter into or continue
in, service under a Government in India or under an international
organisation of which India is a member or under a society,
company or body of persons established in India:
Provided that the Central Government may, if in the special
circumstances of any particular case it thinks fit,—
(i) allow a continuous period of twelve months ending not more than
six months before the date of the application to be reckoned, for
the purposes of clause (c) above, as if it had immediately
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preceded that date;

56
(ii) allow periods of residence or service earlier than [fifteen years]
before the date of the application to be reckoned in computing the
aggregate mentioned in clause (d) above.
57
[FOURTH SCHEDULE]
58
[* * *]
NOTIFICATIONS
(1)
Ministry of Home Affairs, Noti. No. S.O. 1050(E), dated March 4, 2021,
published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(ii), dated
4th March, 2005, pp. 3-4, No. 962
In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 7-B
of the Citizenship Act, 1955 (57 of 1955) and in supersession of the
notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Home Affairs
published in the Official Gazette vide number S.O. 542(E), dated the
11th April, 2005 and the notifications of the Government of India in the
erstwhile Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs published in the Official
Gazette vide numbers S.O. 12(E), dated the 5th January, 2007 and
S.O. 36(E), dated the 5th January, 2009, except as respect things done
or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central
Government hereby specifies the following rights to which an Overseas
Citizen of India Cardholder (hereinafter referred to as the OCI
cardholder) shall be entitled, with effect from the date of publication of
this notification in the Official Gazette, namely:—
(1) grant of multiple entry lifelong visa for visiting India for any
purpose:
Provided that for undertaking the following activities, the OCI
cardholder shall be required to obtain a special permission or a Special
Permit, as the case may be, from the competent authority or the
Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or the Indian Mission
concerned, namely—
(i) to undertake research;
(ii) to undertake any Missionary or Tabligh or Mountaineering or
Journalistic activities;
(iii) to undertake internship in any foreign Diplomatic Missions or
foreign Government organisations in India or to take up
employment in any foreign Diplomatic Missions in India;
(iv) to visit any place which falls within the Protected or Restricted
or prohibited areas as notified by the Central Government or
competent authority;
(2) exemption from registration with the Foreigners Regional
Registration Officer or Foreigners Registration Officer for any
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length of stay in India:

Provided that the OCI cardholders who are normally resident in India
shall intimate the jurisdictional Foreigners Regional Registration Officer
or the Foreigners Registration Officer by email whenever there is a
change in permanent residential address and in their occupation;
(3) parity with Indian nationals in the matter of,—
(i) tariffs in air fares in domestic sectors in India; and
(ii) entry fees to be charged for visiting national parks, wildlife
sanctuaries, the national monuments, historical sites and
museums in India;
(4) parity with Non-Resident Indians in the matter of,—
(i) inter-country adoption of Indian children subject to the
compliance of the procedure as laid down by the competent
authority for such adoption;
(ii) appearing for the all India entrance tests such as National
Eligibility cum Entrance Test, Joint Entrance Examination
(Mains), Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced) or such other
tests to make them eligible for admission only against any Non
-Resident Indian seat or any supernumerary seat:
Provided that the OCI cardholder shall not be eligible for admission
against any seat reserved exclusively for Indian citizens;
(iii) purchase or sale of immovable properties other than
agricultural land or farm house or plantation property; and
(iv) pursuing the following professions in India as per the
provisions contained in the applicable relevant statutes or Acts
as the case may be, namely—
(a) doctors, dentists, nurses and pharmacists;
(b) advocates;
(c) architects;
(d) chartered accountants;
(5) in respect of all other economic, financial and educational fields
not specified in this notification or the rights and privileges not
covered by the notifications made by the Reserve Bank of India
under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999),
the OCI cardholder shall have the same rights and privileges as a
foreigner.
Explanation.— For the purposes of this notification,—
(1) The OCI Cardholder (including a PIO cardholder) is a foreign
national holding passport of a foreign country and is not a citizen
of India.
(2) “Non-Resident Indian” shall have the same meaning as assigned
to it in the Foreign Exchange Management (Acquisition and
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Transfer of Immovable Property in India) Regulations, 2018 made

by the Reserve Bank of India under the Foreign Exchange
Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999) and who fulfils the “Non-
Resident Indian” status as per the Income Tax Act, 1961 (43 of
1961).
(2)
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Noti. No. S.O. 585(E), dated March
23, 2012, published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3
(ii), dated 27th March, 2012, p. 1, No. 507
In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 7-B
of the Citizenship Act, 1955 (57 of 1955), and in continuation of the
notifications of the Government of India in the Ministry of Home Affairs,
Number S.O. 542(E), dated 11th April, 2005 and in the Ministry of
Overseas Indian Affairs S.O. 12(E), dated 6th January, 2007 and S.O.
36(E), dated 6th January, 2009, the Government of India hereby
specifies the following rights to which persons registered as Overseas
Citizens of India (OCI) under Section 7-A of the said Act, shall be
entitled, namely—
“State Governments should ensure that the OCI registration
booklets of OCIs are treated as their identification for any services
rendered to them. In case proof of residence is required, Overseas
Citizens of India may give an affidavit attested by a notary public
stating that a particular/specific address may be treated as their
place of residence in India, and may also in their affidavit give their
overseas residential address as well as e-mail address, if any.”.
(3)
Ministry of Home Affairs, Noti. No. S.O. 5377(E), dated October 23,
2018, published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(ii),
dated 24th October, 2018, pp. 2-3, No. 4172
In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 16 of the Citizenship
Act, 1955 (57 of 1955), the Central Government hereby directs that
powers exercisable by it, for registration as a citizen of India under
Section 5 or for grant of certificate of naturalisation under Section 6 of
the Citizenship Act, 1955, in respect of any person belonging to
minority community in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, namely,
Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians (herein this Order
referred to as “the applicant”), residing in the States of Chhattisgarh,
Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Mahahrashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and
Union Territory of Delhi, shall also be exercisable by—
(a) the Collector, within whose jurisdiction the applicant is ordinarily
resident, in relation to the districts of—
(i) Raipur in the State of Chhattisgarh;
(ii) Ahemdabad, Gandhinagar and Kutch in the State of Gujarat;
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(iii) Bhopal and Indore in the State of Madhya Pradesh;

(iv) Nagpur, Mumbai, Pune and Thane in the State of
Maharashtra;
(v) Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur in the State of Rajasthan;
(vi) Lucknow in the State of Uttar Pradesh; and
(vii) West Delhi and South Delhi in the Union Territory of Delhi;
and
(b) the Secretary of the Department of Home of the State or the
Union territory, as the case may be, within whose jurisdiction the
applicant is ordinarily resident, in relation to districts not covered
under clause (a), in accordance with the provisions of the
Citizenship Rules, 2009 (hereinafter referred to as the said rules),
subject to the following conditions, namely—
(A) the application for registration as citizen of India or grant of
certificate of naturalisation as citizen of India under the said
rules is made by the applicant online;
(B) the verification of the application is done simultaneously by
the Collector or the Secretary, as the case may be, at the
district level and the State level and the application and the
reports thereon shall be made accessible simultaneously to the
Central Government on online portal;
(C) the Collector or the Secretary, as the case may be, makes
such inquiry as he considers necessary for ascertaining the
suitability of the applicant and for that purpose forwards the
application online to such agencies for verification and
comments as may be required for completing such an inquiry
and the instructions issued by the Central Government from
time to time in this regard shall be strictly complied with by
the State or Union Territory and District concerned;
(D) the comments of the agencies referred to in clause (C) are
uploaded online by such agencies and accessible to the
Collector or the Secretary, as the case may be, and the Central
Government;
(E) the Collector or the Secretary, as the case may be, on being
satisfied with the suitability of the applicant, grants him/her
the citizenship of India by registration or naturalisation and
issue a certificate of registration or naturalisation, as the case
may be, duly printed from online portal and signed by the
Collector or the Secretary, as the case may be, in the Form as
prescribed in the said rules; and
(F) the Collector and the Secretary shall maintain an online/digital
as well as physical register, in accordance with the said rules,
containing the details of persons so registered or naturalised as
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a citizen of India and furnish a copy thereof to the Central

Government within seven days of such registration or
naturalisation.
2. This Order shall come into force with effect from the 22nd
December, 2018 and shall remain in force until further order.
(4)
Ministry of Home Affairs, Noti. No. S.O. 2069(E), dated May 28, 2021,
published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(ii), dated
28th May, 2021, pp. 2-3, No. 1924
In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 16 of the Citizenship
Act, 1955 (57 of 1955), the Central Government hereby directs that
powers exercisable by it, for registration as a citizen of India under
Section 5, or for grant of certificate of naturalisation under Section 6, of
the Citizenship Act, 1955, in respect of any person belonging to
minority community in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, namely,
Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians (hereinafter
referred to as “the applicant”), residing in the districts mentioned in
clause (a) below and the States mentioned in clause (b) below, shall
also be exercisable by —
(a) the Collector, within whose jurisdiction the applicant is ordinarily
resident, in relation to the Districts of—
(i) Morbi, Rajkot, Patan and Vadodara in the State of Gujarat ;
(ii) Durg and Balodabazar in the State of Chhattisgarh ;
(iii) Jalore, Udaipur, Pali, Barmer and Sirohi in the State of
Rajasthan ;
(iv) Faridabad in the State of Haryana ; and
(v) Jalandhar in the State of Punjab ;
(b) the Secretary of the Department of Home of the States of
Haryana and Punjab within whose jurisdiction the applicant is
ordinarily resident, except the District of Faridabad in Haryana
and the District of Jalandhar in Punjab, in accordance with the
provisions of the Citizenship Rules, 2009 (hereinafter referred to
as the said rules), subject to following conditions, namely—
(A) the application for registration as citizen of India or grant of
certificate of naturalisation as citizen of India under the said
rules shall be made by the applicant online;
(B) the verification of the application is done simultaneously by
the Collector or the Secretary, as the case may be, at the
District level and the State level and the application and the
reports thereon shall be made accessible simultaneously to the
Central Government on online portal;
(C) the Collector or the Secretary, as the case may be, makes
such inquiry as he considers necessary for ascertaining the
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suitability of the applicant and for that purpose forwards the

application online to such agencies for verification and
comments as may be required for completing such an inquiry
and the instructions issued by the Central Government from
time to time in this regard shall be strictly complied with by
the State or Union territory and District concerned ;
(D) the comments of the agencies referred to in clause (C) are
uploaded online by such agencies and accessible to the
Collector or the Secretary, as the case may be, and the Central
Government;
(E) the Collector or the Secretary, as the case may be, on being
satisfied with the suitability of the applicant, grants him the
citizenship of India by registration or naturalisation and issues
a certificate of registration or naturalisation, as the case may
be, duly printed from online portal and signed by the Collector
or the Secretary, as the case may be, in the Form as prescribed
in the said rules; and
(F) the Collector and the Secretary shall maintain an online as
well as physical register, in accordance with the said rules,
containing the details of the person so registered or naturalised
as a citizen of India and furnish a copy thereof to the Central
Government within seven days of such registration or
naturalisation.
2. This Order shall come into force on the date of its publication in
the official Gazette and shall remain valid until further orders.
(5)
Ministry of Home Affairs, Noti. No. S.O. 3330(E), dated July 22, 2022,
published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 3(ii), dated
22nd July, 2022, p. 2, No. 3169
In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 16 of the Citizenship
Act, 1955 (57 of 1955), the Central Government hereby directs that
the powers exercisable by it under sub-section (2) of Section 9 of the
Act read with Rule 40 of the Citizenship Rules, 2009, shall be
exercisable by the District Collector, North Goa and District Collector,
South Goa for the purpose of inquiring into the issue of acquisition of
citizenship of another country by residents of the State of Goa and
make appropriate recommendations to the Central Government through
the State Government in accordance with the procedure specified in
Schedule III of the said rules, subject to the following conditions,
namely—
(a) the application and objection shall be invited after due publicity
by the District Collector;
(b) the inquiry shall be conducted in fair and transparent manner
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keeping in mind the provisions contained in the Act and the

Citizenship Rules, 2009;
(c) after inquiry, the District Collector shall make recommendations
to the Central Government giving details of each case.
2. This Order shall remain in force for a period of two years from the
date of publication of this notification.
———
1.
Received the assent of the President on December 30, 1955 and published in the Gazette
of India, Extra., Part II, S. 1, dated 30th December, 1955.

2.
Sub. by Act 6 of 2004, S. 2(i) (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

3.
Ins. by Act 47 of 2019, S. 2 (w.e.f. 10-1-2020).

4.
Omitted by Act 6 of 2004, S. 2(i) (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

5.
Subs. by Act 1 of 2015, S. 2 (w.e.f. 6-01-2015). Earlier, as inserted by Act 6 of 2004, S. 2
(ii) (w.e.f. 3-12-2004), it read as:
‘(ee) “overseas citizen of India” means a person registered as an overseas citizen of
India by the Central Government under Section 7-A;’.

6.
Omitted by Act 32 of 2005, S. 2(ii) (w.e.f. 28-06-2005). Earlier, as inserted by Act 6 of
2004, S. 2(iii) (w.e.f. 3-12-2004) it read as:
‘(gg) “specified country” means a country specified in the Fourth Schedule:
Provided that the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,
amend the said Schedule by way of addition or omission of any entry therein:
Provided further that every notification issued under this clause shall, as soon as may
be, after it is made, be laid before each House of Parliament;’

7.
Sub. by Act 6 of 2004, S. 3 (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

8.
Sub. by Act 6 of 2004, S. 4 (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

9.
Subs. for “any male person” by Act 39 of 1992, S. 2(b).

10.
Subs. by Act 6 of 2004, S. 5(a).

11.
Subs. for “has been residing in India for one year” by Act 1 of 2015, S. 3(i)(a) (w.e.f. 6-1
-2015).

12.
Subs. for “overseas citizen of India” by Act 1 of 2015, S. 3(i)(b)(A) (w.e.f. 6-1-2015).

13.
Subs. for “has been residing in India for one year” by Act 1 of 2015, S. 3(i)(b)(B) (w.e.f. 6
-1-2015).

14.
Ins. by Act 1 of 2015, S. 3(ii) (w.e.f. 6-1-2015).
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15.
Ins. by Act 6 of 2004, S. 5(b) (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

16.
Sub. by Act 6 of 2004, S. 6 (w.e.f. 3-12-2004). Prior to substitution, it read as: “who is
not a citizen of a country specified in the First Schedule”.

17.
Ins. by Act 65 of 1985, S. 2 (w.e.f. 7-12-1985).

18.
Ins. by Act 47 of 2019, S. 3 (w.e.f. 10-1-2020).

19.
Ins. by Act 6 of 2004, S. 7 (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

20.
Subs. by Act 1 of 2015, S. 4 (w.e.f. 6-1-2015). Prior to substitution it read as:
“7-A. Registration of overseas citizens of India.—The Central Government may, subject
to such conditions and restrictions as may be prescribed, on an application made in this
behalf, register as an overseas citizen of India—

(a) any person of full age and capacity,—

(i) who is citizen of another country, but was a citizen of India at the time of, or at
any time after, the commencement of the Constitution; or

(ii) who is citizen of another country, but was eligible to become a citizen of India at
the time of the commencement of the Constitution; or

(iii) who is citizen of another country, but belonged to a territory that became part of
India after the 15th day of August, 1947; or

(iv) who is a child or a grand-child of such a citizen; or

(b) a person, who is a minor child of a person mentioned in clause (a):

Provided that no person, who is or had been a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such
other country as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,
specify, shall be eligible for registration as an overseas citizen of India.”.

21.
Subs. by Act 1 of 2015, S. 4 (w.e.f. 6-1-2015). Prior to substitution it read as:
“7-B. Conferment of rights on overseas citizens of India.—(1) Notwithstanding anything
contained in any other law for the time being in force, an overseas citizen of India shall
be entitled to such rights other than the rights specified under sub-section (2) as the
Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify in this behalf.
(2) An overseas citizen of India shall not be entitled to the rights conferred on a citizen
of India—

(a) under Article 16 of the Constitution with regard to equality of opportunity in matters
of public employment;

(b) under Article 58 of the Constitution for election as President;

(c ) under Article 66 of the Constitution for election of Vice-President;

(d) under Article 124 of the Constitution for appointment as a Judge of the Supreme
Court;
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(e) under Article 217 of the Constitution for appointment as a Judge of the High Court;

(f) under Section 16 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (43 of 1950) in regard
to registration as a voter;

(g) under Sections 3 and 4 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (43 of 1951)
with regard to the eligibility for being a member of the House of the People or of the
Council of States, as the case may be;

(h) under Sections 5, 5-A and 6 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (43 of
1951) with regard to the eligibility for being a Member of the Legislative Assembly or a
Legislative Council, as the case may be, of a State;

(i) for appointment to public services and posts in connection with the affairs of the
Union or of any State except for appointment in such services and posts as the
Central Government may by special order in that behalf specify.
(3) Every notification issued under sub-section (1) shall be laid before each House of
Parliament.”.

22.
Subs. by Act 1 of 2015, S. 4 (w.e.f. 6-1-2015). Prior to substitution it read as:
“7-C. Renunciation of overseas citizenship.—(1) If any overseas citizen of India of full
age and capacity makes in the prescribed manner a declaration renouncing his overseas
citizenship of India, the declaration shall be registered by the Central Government, and
upon such registration, that person shall cease to be an overseas citizen of India.
(2) Where a person ceases to be an overseas citizen of India under sub-section (1),
every minor child of that person registered as an overseas citizen of India, shall
thereupon cease to be an overseas citizen of India.”.

23.
Subs. by Act 1 of 2015, S. 4 (w.e.f. 6-1-2015). Prior to substitution it read as:
“7-D. Cancellation of registration as overseas citizen of India.—The Central Government
may, by order, cancel the registration granted under sub-section (1) of Section 7-A if it
is satisfied that—

(a) the registration as an overseas citizen of India was obtained by means of fraud, false
representation or the concealment of any material fact; or

(b) the overseas citizen of India has shown disaffection towards the Constitution of India
as by law established; or

(c ) the overseas citizen of India has, during any war in which India may be engaged,
unlawfully traded or communicated with an enemy or been engaged in, or associated
with, any business or commercial activity that was to his knowledge carried on in such
manner as to assist an enemy in that war; or

(d) the overseas citizen of India has, within five years after registration under sub-
section (1) of Section 7-A has been sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less
than two years; or
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(e) it is necessary so to do in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the
security of India, friendly relations of India with any foreign country, or in the
interests of the general public.”.

24.
Ins. by Act 47 of 2019, S. 4(i) (w.e.f. 10-1-2020).

25.
Ins. by Act 47 of 2019, S. 4(ii) (w.e.f. 10-1-2020).

26.
The words “who is also a citizen or national of another country” omitted by Act 6 of
2004, S. 8(a) (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

27.
Subs. for “a male person” by Act 39 of 1992, S. 3.

28.
Ins. by Act 6 of 2004, S. 8(b) (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

29.
Omitted by Act 6 of 2004, S. 8(c ) (w.e.f. 3-12-2004). Prior to omission it read as:
“(3) For the purposes of this section, any woman who is, or has been, married shall be
deemed to be of full age.”

30.
Sub. for “person” by Act 6 of 2004, S. 9 (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

31.
Omitted by Act 6 of 2004, S. 10 (w.e.f. 3-12-2004). Prior to omission it read as:
“11. Commonwealth citizenship.—Every person who is a citizen of a Commonwealth
country specified in the First Schedule shall, by virtue of that citizenship, have the status
of Commonwealth citizen in India.”.

32.
Omitted by Act 6 of 2004, S. 10 (w.e.f. 3-12-2004). Prior to omission S. 12 read as:
“12. Power to confer rights of Indian citizen or citizens of certain countries.—(1) The
Central Government may, by order notified in the Official Gazette, make provisions on a
basis of reciprocity for the conferment of all or any of the rights of citizen of India on the
citizens of any country specified in the First Schedule.
(2) Any order made under sub-section (1) shall have effect notwithstanding anything
inconsistent therewith contained in any law other than the Constitution of India or this
Act.”

33.
Sub. for “and 6” by Act 6 of 2004, S. 11 (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

34.
Sub. for “Section 5 or Section 6” by Act 6 of 2004, S. 11 (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

35.
Ins. by Act 6 of 2004, S. 12 (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

36.
Ins. by Act 6 of 2004, S. 13 (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

37.
Sub. for “six months” by Act 6 of 2004, S. 14(a) (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

38.
Ins. by Act 6 of 2004, S. 14(b) (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

39.
Ins. by Act 6 of 2004, S. 15(i) (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).
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40.
Ins. by Act 65 of 1985, S. 3 (w.e.f. 7-12-1985).

41.
Ins. by Act 47 of 2019, S. 5 (w.e.f. 10-1-2020).

42.
Ins. by Act 1 of 2015, S. 5 (w.e.f. 6-1-2015).

43.
Ins. by Act 1 of 2015, S. 5 (w.e.f. 6-1-2015).

44.
Ins. by Act 6 of 2004, S. 15(i)(b) (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

45.
Ins. by Act 6 of 2004, S. 15(ii) (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

46.
Subs. by Act 4 of 1986, S. 2 and Sch. (w.e.f. 15-5-1986).

47.
Repealed by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1960 (Act 58 of 1960) Section 2 and the
First Schedule. Prior to repeal it read as:
“19. Repeals.—(1) The British Nationality and Status of Aliens Acts, 1914 to 1943, are
hereby repealed in their application to India.
(2) All laws relating to naturalisation which are in force in any part of India are hereby
repealed.”

48.
Omitted by Act 6 of 2004, S. 16 (w.e.f. 3-12-2004). Prior to omission it read as:

‘FIRST SCHEDULE

[See Sections 2(1)(b) and 5(1)(e)]

A. The following Commonwealth countries:—

1. United Kingdom.

2. Canada.

3. Commonwealth of Australia.

4. New Zealand.

5. Union of South Africa.

6. Pakistan.

7. Ceylon.

8. Federation of Rhodesia and Nayasaland.

9. Ghana.

10. Federation of Malaya.

11. Singapore.

B. The Republic of Ireland.

Explanation.—In this Schedule, “United Kingdom” means the United Kingdom of Great
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Britain and Northern Ireland, and includes the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and all
Colonies; and “Commonwealth of Australia” includes the territories of Papua and the
territory of Norfolk Island.’

49.
Sub. by Act 6 of 2004, S. 17 (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

50.
The words “who is not a citizen of a country specified in the First Schedule” omitted by
Act 6 of 2004, S. 18 (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

51.
Sub. for “he has renounced the citizenship of that country in accordance with the law
therein in force in that behalf and has notified such renunciation to the Central Government”
by Act 6 of 2004, S. 18 (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

52.
Ins. by Act 1 of 2015, S. 6 (w.e.f. 6-1-2015).

53.
Sub. for “twelve years” by Act 6 of 2004, S. 18 (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

54.
Sub. for “nine years” by Act 6 of 2004, S. 18 (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

55.
Ins. by Act 47 of 2019, S. 6 (w.e.f. 10-1-2020).

56.
Sub. for “thirteen years” by Act 6 of 2004, S. 18 (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

57.
Ins. by Act 6 of 2004, S. 19 (w.e.f. 3-12-2004).

58.
Omitted by Act 32 of 2005, S. 5 (w.e.f. 28-6-2005). Prior to omission it read as:

“FOURTH SCHEDULE

[See Section 2(1)(gg)]

1. Australia.

2. Canada.

3. Finland.

4. France.

5. Greece.

6. Ireland.

7. Israel.

8. Italy.

9. Netherlands.

10. New Zealand.

11. Portugal.
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12. Republic of Cyprus.

13. Sweden.

14. Switzerland.

15. United Kingdom.

16. United States of America.”

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