Laxmikanth Test : Citizenship - UPSC MCQ

Statement I correctly explains the process of renouncement of overseas citizen status by making a declaration, leading to the individual ceasing to hold an overseas citizen of India card. Statement II accurately describes the circumstances under which the Central Government can cancel the registration of an overseas citizen of India cardholder. However, these two statements are not interconnected or explanatory of each other, hence option (b) is the correct answer.

Statement-I is incorrect as it falsely states that Overseas Citizen of India cardholders are entitled to all rights granted to Indian citizens, which contradicts the information provided in the passage. Statement-II is correct since it accurately reflects that Overseas Citizen of India cardholders are not entitled to certain rights granted to Indian citizens, such as registration as a voter or membership in legislative bodies, as specified by the Central Government.

Statement 1 is correct. India's system of single citizenship indeed ensures uniform political and civil rights for all citizens across the country, regardless of their state of birth or residence.

Statement 2 is incorrect. There are exceptions where the Constitution allows states to provide benefits or preferences to their residents in matters not covered by constitutional rights.

Statement 3 is correct. Article 19 protects the freedom of movement and residence but entails restrictions on outsiders' rights to settle in tribal areas to safeguard the interests of scheduled tribes and protect their culture and property.

- The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2015, indeed merged the PIO (Person of Indian Origin) and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card schemes into the OCI Cardholder scheme.
- This integration aimed to simplify and provide uniform benefits, making it easier for people of Indian origin living abroad to access privileges like visa-free travel to India.
- Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides the rationale behind the action described in Statement-I. Thus, option A is correct.

Statement-I: Special provisions apply to individuals covered by the Assam Accord, granting citizenship based on factors like residency and registration.
This statement is correct. The Assam Accord (1985) made provisions for granting Indian citizenship to certain individuals who migrated to Assam from Bangladesh. These provisions are based on factors like residency, the date of migration, and registration with the government. The Accord aimed to resolve the issue of illegal migration, particularly from Bangladesh, and provided a clear framework for determining who would be eligible for citizenship in Assam.
Statement-II: Citizenship from foreign territory automatically extends to all individuals residing in that territory.
This statement is incorrect. Citizenship from a foreign territory does not automatically extend to all individuals residing in that territory. Citizenship is typically governed by the laws of the country in which an individual resides. For instance, a person may need to apply for citizenship through a naturalization process rather than automatically being granted citizenship upon residency. The principle of jus soli (right of the soil) or jus sanguinis (right of blood) may apply, but not all residents automatically become citizens.
Therefore,Correct Answer- Option B

• Statement-I: Individuals who were citizens of another country but belonged to a territory that became part of India after August 15, 1947, are eligible for registration as Overseas Citizen of India cardholders.
  This statement is correct. According to the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme, individuals who were citizens of another country but whose territories later became part of India (such as Pakistan or Bangladesh) after August 15, 1947, are eligible for registration as OCI cardholders. This is especially relevant for those who were part of the territories that became Indian states post-partition.

• Statement-II: Minor children of eligible individuals, or individuals whose both parents are Indian citizens or one parent is an Indian citizen, are eligible for registration as Overseas Citizen of India cardholders.
  This statement is correct. As per the OCI guidelines, minor children of eligible individuals (such as those whose parents are OCI cardholders or Indian citizens) can also apply for OCI status. Additionally, if both parents are Indian citizens, or if one parent is an Indian citizen, the minor child is eligible for registration as an OCI cardholder.

While both statements are correct, Statement-II does not explain Statement-I, as Statement-I is about individuals whose territories became part of India after 1947, while Statement-II pertains to the eligibility of minor children of Indian citizens or OCI holders.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C

India follows a system of single citizenship, which is distinct from the dual citizenship system seen in countries like the USA and Australia. This means that every citizen of India enjoys the same rights and duties regardless of the state in which they reside, promoting a uniform political and civil rights framework across the country. Statement 1 is correct. The principle of single citizenship indeed aims to provide a uniform political and civil rights framework throughout the nation, ensuring that citizens do not face discrimination based on their state of residence. Statement 2 is also correct. However, Article 35-A, which granted special rights and privileges to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated in 2019, making statement 3 incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Statement I : Citizenship can be terminated if an individual voluntarily acquires the citizenship of another country.
 This  statement is correct. According to Section 9 of the Citizenship Act, 1955, if an Indian citizen voluntarily acquires the citizenship of another country, their Indian citizenship is automatically terminated, regardless of whether it happens during peacetime or wartime.
Statement II : Citizenship can be terminated if a citizen voluntarily obtains another country's citizenship while residing in a country at war with India.
This statement is incorrect in the context of the Citizenship Act. The Act does not specify that acquiring foreign citizenship while residing in a country at war with India will result in the termination of citizenship. The termination of citizenship is based on acquiring foreign citizenship, regardless of the wartime situation.
Therefore,Correct Answer- Option C

Article 19 of the Indian Constitution indeed guarantees the freedom of movement and the right to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India to all citizens, making statement 1 correct. However, these freedoms can be restricted to protect the interests of any Scheduled Tribe, as special provisions are made for the protection of the cultural and economic interests of the tribal populations. Thus, statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the special provisions under Article 19 are not uniformly applicable across all states; certain states or regions may have specific restrictions to protect local interests, such as the Inner Line Permit system in some northeastern states. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Statement 1 is correct. Double citizenship would indeed create issues of discrimination in matters such as voting rights, holding public offices, and professional opportunities, as states may favor their own citizens.

Statement 2 is correct. The special status of Jammu and Kashmir, which was based on Article 35-A, was indeed abolished in 2019.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Indian Constitution does not allow states to define their own citizenship criteria; Indian citizenship is uniform and applicable to all citizens across the country.