India

Delhi High Court Rejects NRI Dual Citizenship Petition, Defers Issue To Parliament

The Delhi High Court has rejected a petition seeking dual citizenship for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, stated that Parliament has the jurisdiction over this matter, not the court.

Pravasi Legal Cell, an organization advocating for NRI rights, filed the petition for dual citizenship. They argued that current Indian law terminates Indian citizenship if a person holds a passport from another country. The petitioner’s lawyer highlighted a recent statement by the Union Foreign Minister suggesting that dual citizenship is a matter for debate.

The bench referenced Article 9 of the Indian Constitution, which states that a person who voluntarily acquires foreign citizenship is no longer an Indian citizen, and Section 9 of the Citizenship Act, which addresses the termination of citizenship. The judges emphasized that it is prohibited for the court to intervene in this matter.

The judges noted that the decision on dual citizenship involves national security considerations and broad implications, which only Parliament can address. They advised raising the issue through Members of Parliament since Parliament is in session. The bench acknowledged the Foreign Minister’s awareness of the issue and allowed the petitioner to withdraw the plea, subsequently dismissing it.

The petition argued that granting dual citizenship would significantly benefit India by encouraging NRIs to contribute to investment, business, tourism, philanthropy, education, and the arts. Last August, the petitioner organization also submitted a representation to authorities seeking similar relief. The petition alternatively sought a direction for authorities to consider this representation.

The Delhi High Court’s decision underscores the constitutional and legal constraints surrounding the issue of dual citizenship, deferring the matter to the legislative domain for any potential resolution.

Also Read: Supreme Court Reserves Decision On Tax Collection for Mineral Wealth

Gopal Krishna

Recent Posts

Medha Patkar Arrested By Delhi Police For Non-Compliance With Court Orders

On Friday, the Delhi Police arrested activist Medha Patkar after the Saket court in Delhi…

5 mins ago

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Admits Backing Terror Groups In Candid Interview

Pak’s long-denied role in supporting terrorism has come under scrutiny following a candid admission by…

47 mins ago

Kohli’s Composed Knock Powers RCB To 11-Run Victory Over Rajasthan Royals

RCB head coach Sanjay Bangar praised Virat Kohli’s composed 70, which helped RCB secure a…

54 mins ago

Bombay High Court Grants Kunal Kamra Protection from Arrest Over Controversial Remark

Kunal Kamra got arrest protection from the Bombay High Court over an FIR tied to…

1 hour ago

Amit Shah To Hold Meeting On Indus Water Treaty With CR Patil & Senior Officials

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will lead a meeting this evening at his residence in…

1 hour ago

India Tightens Stance On Pakistan Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

The Indian government has announced a series of decisive measures aimed at scaling down diplomatic…

2 hours ago