UPSC Mains Answer
Statutory provisions for loss of citizenship under citizenship laws are provided for by several statutes in the Indian Constitution. The following are the main statutes relating to loss of citizenship:
Article 5(1) of the Constitution: This article secures the right to acquire Indian citizenship. According to this, any person acquiring citizenship of any other country can lose his Indian citizenship.
Article 9 of the Constitution: This article ensures the conditions for loss of citizenship for foreign nationals. Under this, foreign nationals have to fulfill certain conditions to obtain Indian citizenship and they can be denied citizenship.
Citizenship Amendment Act 2003: This law was made to amend various aspects related to citizenship. It clearly details the reasons and procedure for loss of citizenship.
Citizenship (Registration and Identification) Regulation Act 2003: This law attempted to reform the process of citizenship acquisition, registration, and identification. In this, the documents and conditions required for obtaining citizenship have been clarified.
The Indian Constitution provides several provisions to secure the conditions for loss of citizenship. Article 5(1) of the Constitution entitles foreign nationals to acquire Indian citizenship, while Article 9 sets out the conditions for depriving them of citizenship. Additionally, the Citizenship Amendment Act 2003 and the Citizenship (Registration and Identification) Regulation Act 2003 attempt to reform various aspects. Through these provisions the conditions for loss of citizenship are secured, thereby establishing prosperity, security, and justice in society.