In which of the following years was the Citizenship Act first enacted by the Indian Parliament?

Key Points

• The Citizenship Act, 1955, was enacted by the Indian Parliament to provide for the acquisition and determination of Indian citizenship.
• This act outlines the various modes by which Indian citizenship can be acquired, such as by birth, descent, registration, and naturalization.
• The act also includes provisions for the termination and deprivation of citizenship under certain conditions.
• Over the years, the Citizenship Act, 1955, has been amended multiple times to address various issues and changes in the socio-political landscape of India.

Additional Information

• Citizenship by Birth
  • Any person born in India on or after January 26, 1950, but before July 1, 1987, is a citizen of India by birth irrespective of the nationality of his/her parents.
  • Any person born in India on or after July 1, 1987, but before December 3, 2004, is considered a citizen of India by birth if either of his/her parents is a citizen of India at the time of his/her birth.
  • Any person born in India on or after December 3, 2004, is considered a citizen of India by birth if both of his/her parents are citizens of India or one parent is a citizen of India and the other is not an illegal migrant at the time of his/her birth.
• Citizenship by Descent
  • A person born outside India on or after January 26, 1950, but before December 10, 1992, is a citizen of India by descent if his/her father was a citizen of India at the time of his/her birth.
  • A person born outside India on or after December 10, 1992, is considered a citizen of India by descent if either of his/her parents is a citizen of India at the time of his/her birth.
• Citizenship by Registration
  • Persons of Indian origin who are ordinarily resident in India for seven years before making an application for registration.
  • Persons who are married to citizens of India and are ordinarily resident in India for seven years before making an application for registration.
  • Minor children of persons who are citizens of India.
• Citizenship by Naturalization
  • A foreigner can acquire Indian citizenship, on application, if he/she is not an illegal migrant and has resided in India for 12 years (throughout the 12 months immediately preceding the date of application and for 11 years in the aggregate in the 14 years preceding the 12 months).