The government clarified that passports have never served as proof of citizenship, citing the Passports Act 1967 and a Bombay High Court ruling from 2013.
MEA's statement led to criticism from opposition leaders
Jun 25, 2026
01:16 pm
What's the storyThe Indian government on Thursday clarified that the passport has never been proof of citizenship.
The clarification was issued after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said during a briefing on Wednesday that an Indian passport is primarily a travel document and not definitive proof of citizenship.
'Passport never been proof of citizenship': Govt cites Passports Act 1967, Bombay HC ruling - The Economic Times
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