Q. With reference to India, consider the following statements:
1.There is only one citizenship and one domicile.
2.A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.
3.A foreigner once granted citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3
d) 2 and 3
Correct Answer: a) 1 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2021 GS Paper
Explanation :
Indian Citizenship and Domicile
There is only one type of citizenship recognized by the Indian Constitution, and that is Indian citizenship. India’s citizens have only one allegiance: the Union. State citizenship is not distinct. Additionally, an Indian citizen’s Indian citizenship automatically ends when he voluntarily obtains the citizenship of another nation.
There is only one domicile allowed in India. Domicile Certificate can be made only in one State/UT.
Citizenship and the Head of State
Contrary to the claim that only a citizen by birth can become the Head of State in India, the Constitution of India allows citizens by descent, registration, or naturalization to hold the office of the President, who is the Head of State. Article 58 specifies the qualifications needed and does not limit the position exclusively to citizens by birth.
Citizenship Revocation for Foreigners
The statement that a foreigner granted Indian citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances is incorrect. The Citizenship Act of 1955 outlines conditions under which citizenship may be revoked. This includes obtaining citizenship through fraud, disloyalty to the Constitution, or engagement in unlawful activities with the enemy during wartime.
In conclusion, the accurate statement among the three is the first one, indicating that “1 only” is the correct answer. The other two statements are not consistent with the Indian Constitution and citizenship laws.
