Chief Minister Sarma has firmly denied these claims, calling them “Congress propaganda” and asserting that the documents cited are fabricated. He further stated that legal action would be pursued against Khera.
Amid the political back-and-forth, the episode has sparked public curiosity about what Indian law actually says regarding multiple passports and dual citizenship.
Can an Indian Citizen Hold Multiple Passports?
Under the Passports Act, 1967, holding more than one passport is not permitted. Authorities have the power to impound or revoke a passport if an individual is found in wrongful possession of another.
Section 12 of the Act specifically addresses offences such as fraud, misrepresentation, or misuse in obtaining passports. If a person acquires multiple passports through concealment or false information, it can lead to penalties, including fines or imprisonment.
Does India Allow Dual Citizenship?
India does not permit dual citizenship.
According to Section 9 of the Citizenship Act, 1955, an Indian citizen automatically loses their citizenship if they voluntarily acquire the citizenship of another country. The Indian Constitution also reinforces this principle by disallowing simultaneous possession of Indian and foreign citizenship.
What Happens If Someone Holds a Foreign Passport?
Indian law treats the possession of a foreign passport as proof that the individual has acquired foreign citizenship.
This position was upheld by the Supreme Court in the Dipali Katia Chadha vs Union of India (1995) case. Therefore, once a person holds a foreign passport, they are no longer legally considered an Indian citizen.
As a result, it is illegal for someone to hold both an Indian passport and a foreign passport at the same time.
What is the OCI Scheme?
While dual citizenship is not allowed, India offers the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme under Section 7A of the Citizenship Act.
OCI provides certain benefits to people of Indian origin who have taken foreign citizenship, including:
A lifelong visa to live and work in India
Exemption from registration with local authorities for long stays
However, OCI is not equivalent to full citizenship. It does not grant political rights such as voting or contesting elections, and certain activities require special permissions.
Legal Consequences and Recent Cases
The government has identified over 1,300 cases in recent years where individuals were found holding multiple Indian passports. Such cases are treated as potential security risks.
In these situations, authorities typically:
Cancel the passports
Initiate legal proceedings under the Passports Act
Conclusion
Indian law is clear and strict: an individual cannot legally hold multiple passports or dual citizenship. Any violation—especially involving fraud or concealment—can result in serious legal consequences.
The ongoing political controversy has once again highlighted the importance of understanding these legal provisions and the strict framework governing citizenship in India.
