Javed Akhtar has sharply criticised the Ministry of External Affairs after it stated that a passport is a travel document and not proof of citizenship. The veteran writer and lyricist called the position absurd and raised pointed questions about how authorities distinguish genuine citizens from illegal immigrants.

Javed Akhtar asked whether the authorities were issuing passports without being convinced that the person was an Indian citizen. | India News

The statement appears counter-intuitive because the Passports Act, 1967, the law governing passports, proceeds on the premise that holder is an Indian citizen. | India News