Laxmikant MCQs: Citizenship | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Ans: (d)
Sol: In the Indian constitutional framework, citizens are guaranteed various rights and privileges. However, one right that is not provided is the right to hold dual citizenship in India. Unlike countries like the USA and Australia, India follows a system of single citizenship, where individuals owe allegiance solely to the Union and do not possess separate state citizenship. This system ensures uniform political and civil rights for all Indian citizens across the country, promoting unity and preventing potential issues of discrimination that may arise with dual citizenship arrangements.

Ans: (c)
Sol: 1. Statement 1 is correct. In India, both citizens by birth and naturalized citizens are eligible to hold the office of the President. This is unlike the United States, where only natural-born citizens are eligible for the presidency.
2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Indian Constitution provides for single citizenship, not dual citizenship. This means that all Indians are citizens of India only, regardless of the state in which they reside, unlike the USA, where dual citizenship (state and federal) is recognized.
3. Statement 3 is correct. Article 19 of the Indian Constitution does guarantee the freedom of movement and residence throughout the territory of India. However, it also allows for restrictions on this right in certain cases, such as the protection of the interests of Scheduled Tribes, which includes restrictions on outsiders settling in tribal areas to protect their culture and property.
Hence, the correct answer is Option C

Ans: (c)
Sol: Statement-I is correct as Indian citizens indeed have the right to contest for membership of Parliament and state legislature as per the provisions of the Indian Constitution. However, Statement-II is incorrect as India follows a system of single citizenship where Indian citizens owe allegiance solely to the Union without the concept of dual citizenship, unlike countries such as the USA and Australia. Dual citizenship is not recognized in India, and Indian citizens cannot hold citizenship of another country simultaneously.

Ans: (d)
Sol: The Citizenship Act of 1955 allows individuals to acquire Indian citizenship through naturalisation, which is a process where the Central Government grants citizenship under specific qualifications and conditions. This method typically involves requirements such as residency and other criteria that individuals must meet to become Indian citizens. Naturalisation is a significant pathway for individuals who do not acquire citizenship by birth, descent, or registration but fulfill the conditions set forth by the government.

Ans: (c)
Sol: 
1. Statement 1 is correct. According to the Citizenship Act, individuals born in India between January 26, 1950, and July 1, 1987, are considered Indian citizens regardless of the nationality of their parents. This provision was part of the original act and does not require the parents to be Indian citizens.
2. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Citizenship Act, 1955, does allow for citizenship by descent, it has been amended to include conditions based on both parents' citizenship, not just the father's. For individuals born outside India, both the father and the mother can confer citizenship by descent, subject to registration and other conditions that have changed over time.
3. Statement 3 is correct. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, indeed provides special provisions for migrants from specified communities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians) from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. These migrants are eligible for Indian citizenship under relaxed conditions, including a reduction in the residency requirement.
Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option (c) 1 and 3 Only the correct answer.

Ans: (c)
Sol: 1. Individuals with domicile in India who met specific conditions related to birth or residency - Became citizens of India on January 26, 1950: This pair is correctly matched. The Constitution of India granted citizenship to individuals who had domicile in India and met certain criteria at its commencement on January 26, 1950.
2. Individuals born in India between January 26, 1950, and July 1, 1987 - Citizens by birth regardless of parents' nationality: This pair is correctly matched. According to the Citizenship Act, 1955, those born in India during this period automatically became Indian citizens, regardless of their parents' nationality.
3. Citizenship by naturalization - Requires specific qualifications and conditions set by the Central Government: This pair is correctly matched. The Citizenship Act, 1955, specifies that the Central Government may grant citizenship through naturalization, subject to certain qualifications and conditions.
4. Persons of Indian origin residing abroad - Automatically granted Indian citizenship: This pair is incorrectly matched. Persons of Indian origin residing abroad are not automatically granted Indian citizenship; they must apply for registration to acquire citizenship.
Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Ans: (a)
Sol: Both statements are accurate. Statement-I outlines the constitutional provisions related to citizenship in India, while Statement-II highlights the role of the Citizenship Act of 1955 in governing the acquisition and loss of citizenship. Statement-II elaborates on the legal framework provided by the Citizenship Act, which complements the constitutional provisions delineated in Statement-I. Hence, both statements are correct, with Statement-II effectively explaining the foundational principles outlined in Statement-I.

Ans: (b)
Sol: Under Indian law, citizenship can be terminated by acquiring citizenship of another country voluntarily. This process leads to the automatic termination of Indian citizenship. Exceptions to this rule exist during wartime. It is essential to understand the various ways in which citizenship can be acquired and terminated to navigate the legal landscape of citizenship in India effectively.

Ans: (b)
Sol: 1. Statement 1: This statement is correct. Under the Citizenship Act, an Indian citizen can indeed voluntarily renounce their citizenship. However, there are exceptions during wartime, which means renunciation is not permitted when India is engaged in a war.
2. Statement 2: This statement is also correct. If an Indian citizen voluntarily acquires citizenship of another country, their Indian citizenship automatically terminates. This is a clear provision in the Indian Citizenship Act, which aims to prevent dual citizenship.
3. Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. While the Central Government can deprive an individual of their Indian citizenship under certain conditions, mere continuous residency outside India for seven years is not a standalone criterion for deprivation. Deprivation can occur due to reasons such as fraud, disloyalty, unlawful communication with enemies, and other specific grounds, but continuous residency outside India alone does not suffice.
Thus, the correct answer is Option (B) 1 and 2 Only.

Ans: (b)
Sol: 1. Renunciation: This pair is correctly matched. Citizenship can indeed be voluntarily renounced, leading to its termination, with exceptions typically during wartime.
2. Termination: This pair is correctly matched. Citizenship automatically terminates if a citizen voluntarily acquires the citizenship of another country. There are exceptions during wartime where this rule might not apply.
3. Deprivation: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Central Government can deprive a person of citizenship for various reasons, including fraud, disloyalty, and unlawful communication with enemies. However, continuous residency outside India must be for seven years, not five, to be a cause for deprivation.
4. Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI): This pair is incorrectly matched. OCI cardholders do not have the right to vote in Indian elections. They are entitled to certain rights, but political rights like voting, holding public office, and registration as a voter are not among them.
Pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched, making the correct choice Option (B) Only two pairs.

Ans: (c)
Sol: Statement-I correctly explains the circumstances under which the Central government can compulsorily terminate citizenship, citing reasons such as fraud, disloyalty, unlawful communication with enemies, imprisonment, or continuous residency outside India for seven years. This aligns with the provisions related to the loss of citizenship.
However, Statement-II inaccurately suggests that Overseas Citizen of India cardholders are not entitled to certain rights granted to Indian citizens. In reality, while OCI cardholders do have some restrictions compared to Indian citizens, they do enjoy certain rights as specified by the Central Government. Therefore, Statement-II is incorrect, making option C the correct answer.

Ans: (b)
Sol: Renouncing the Overseas Citizen of India card status involves making a formal declaration that is then registered by the Central Government. Once this declaration is processed and accepted, the individual and their immediate family members (spouse and minor children) cease to hold the overseas citizen status. This process signifies a voluntary decision to relinquish the privileges and rights associated with being an Overseas Citizen of India.

Ans: (b)
Sol: 1. Statement 1 is correct. When an OCI cardholder renounces their overseas citizenship, it is stipulated that not only do they lose their status, but their spouse and minor children do as well. This reflects the legal framework where family members linked to the primary cardholder are affected by the renunciation process.
2. Statement 2 is correct. The Central Government has the authority to cancel the registration of an OCI cardholder if the registration was obtained through fraudulent means. This measure ensures that the integrity of the OCI registration process is maintained, and only those who meet the legal criteria can retain their OCI status.
3. Statement 3 is incorrect. According to the provisions added by the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, an individual whose OCI registration is being considered for cancellation does have the right to be heard. This provision ensures a fair process where the individual can present their case before a final decision is made by the authorities.
Thus, statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is Option (B) 1 and 2 Only.

Ans: (b)
Sol: 1. Declaration by Cardholder - Incorrect. The Central Government does not automatically cancel the card without any procedure. A formal declaration must be registered for renunciation, after which the status ceases.
2. Minor Children - Correct. Upon renunciation by the cardholder, the spouse and minor children also lose their overseas citizen status.
3. Fraudulent Registration - Correct. The Central Government can cancel the registration if it is found that the registration was obtained through fraudulent means.
4. Right to be Heard - Incorrect. Before cancellation, the individual does have the right to be heard, as per the provisions of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.
Hence, two pairs are correctly matche(d) Minor Children and Fraudulent Registration.

Ans: (a)
Sol: In this scenario, both Statement-I and Statement-II are factually correct based on the provisions related to the renunciation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status and the cancellation of registration as an OCI cardholder. Statement-II provides additional details regarding the circumstances under which the Central Government can cancel the registration of an OCI cardholder, and it complements Statement-I by expanding on the process and reasons for such cancellations. Therefore, Option A is the correct answer as both statements are accurate and Statement-II elaborates on Statement-I.