When was the Indian Citizenship Act passed?

Asked 10-Mar-2018
Updated 12-Jul-2023
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The Indian Citizenship Act, 1955 (ICA) is an Act of Parliament of India that defines the conditions for acquiring Indian citizenship. It was enacted on December 30, 1955, and came into force on January 26, 1956.

When was the Indian Citizenship Act passed

The ICA provides for two ways to acquire Indian citizenship: by birth and by naturalization.

  • Acquisition of Indian citizenship by birth: A person born in India on or after January 26, 1950, is a citizen of India by birth, if either of his parents is a citizen of India at the time of his birth.
  • Acquisition of Indian citizenship by naturalization: A foreigner can acquire Indian citizenship by naturalization if he or she meets certain requirements, such as:
    • He or she has been resident in India for at least 12 years.
    • He or she has adequate knowledge of the Constitution of India.
    • He or she has renounced his or her previous citizenship.

The ICA also provides for the loss of Indian citizenship. A person can lose Indian citizenship if he or she:

  • Acquires the citizenship of another country by naturalization or registration.
  • Relinquishes his or her Indian citizenship by making a declaration to that effect.
  • Is deprived of his or her Indian citizenship by an order of the Government of India.

The ICA has been amended several times since it was enacted. The most recent amendment was made in 2003. The amendment introduced a new provision for the acquisition of Indian citizenship by persons of Indian origin.

The ICA is an important piece of legislation that defines who is a citizen of India. It also sets out the conditions for acquiring and losing Indian citizenship. The ICA has been amended several times since it was enacted, but it remains the basic law governing citizenship in India.