Authorities Refine Process: Voter ID, Passport Now Needed for Citizenship Confirmation

In a significant policy change, the government of India has instructed police departments-beginning with Delhi Police-to only take Voter ID or Indian passports as valid documents of Indian citizenship during verification campaigns. Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and ration cards, which are commonly utilized as identification and residence verification documents, are no longer valid as proof of citizenship. This has been done in response to concerns over illegal migrants misusing these documents to pretend to be citizens of India.

 

Key Points:

 

Aadhaar, PAN, Ration Card are Excluded:

 

The government explained that Aadhaar, PAN and ration cards aren't legal identification of Indian citizenship. These docs are used to verify identity or address only but not to claim citizenship status. New Aadhaar cards now categorically mention: "Proof of identity, not of citizenship or date of birth".

 

New Instructions for Police

 

Delhi Police have been directed to only accept Voter ID cards or Indian passports as evidence of citizenship while cross-checking individuals suspected of being illegal foreign nationals. This comes after several instances in which illegal migrants, especially Bangladeshis and Burmese, used Aadhaar, PAN, or ration cards to prove Indian citizenship.

 

Reason for Change

 

Authorities discovered that numerous illegal immigrants had managed to obtain Aadhaar, PAN, and ration cards, compromising the verification process. The new regulation seeks to block abuse and make sure only authentic citizens are verified.

 

Verification Drive Tightens:

 

All the deputy commissioners of police in Delhi have been instructed to keep an eye closely on suspicious persons and proceed with verification drives. They will treat those who cannot show a Voter ID or passport as foreign nationals and can deport them.

 

Legal Backing:

 

The Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court have held that Aadhaar is not evidence of citizenship or date of birth, and it is categorically mentioned in the Aadhaar Act 2016 that Aadhaar does not translate into citizenship rights.

 

Document Required:

 

The following only are accepted now as evidence of Indian citizenship for police verification:

 

 

Sources: Hindustan Times, Drishti IAS, UIDAI, Passport India