'Migration Problem, Systems Leak': Harish Salve On Passport-Citizenship Row
Former Solicitor General of India, Harish Salve, clarified that while a passport proves the Indian government accepts the holder as a citizen, it is primarily a travel document and not the sole proof of citizenship. This statement comes amid a controversy sparked by a foreign ministry official's comment that a passport is not proof of citizenship, following similar clarifications about Aadhaar and Voter ID cards.
Why it matters
This debate over what constitutes proof of citizenship has significant implications for millions of Indians, potentially causing confusion and concern regarding their legal status and rights, especially in the context of voter list revisions and migration issues.
A passport is proof that the Indian government has accepted the holder as a citizen and her nationality cannot be questioned by any other country, former Solicitor General of India Harish Salve told NDTV today. While a passport is a travel document, it is also among the required documents that can be cited while applying for any position -- a job application or entry to a place -- and the foreign ministry has not negated that. All that the current controversy shows, is that "India is doing well and we don't have any major problems," he said on a jovial note.
The article presents Harish Salve's legal interpretation of the passport-citizenship issue, framing it as an expert opinion on a public debate, without taking a definitive stance itself.
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