UPSC Prelims 2021 Q89: Indian Polity – Constitutional Framework & Development
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
Indian Citizenship: Key Facts
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Only one citizenship and one domicile | TRUE | India follows SINGLE CITIZENSHIP (unlike USA which has federal + state citizenship). Every Indian is only a citizen of India, not of any state. Single domicile also - no separate 'state domicile' status (though residence-based state benefits exist). |
| 2 | Only citizen by birth can become Head of State | FALSE | Article 58 (President qualifications) requires the person be a citizen of India - NOT specifically by BIRTH. A naturalised citizen who meets age (35+) and other eligibility can become President/Vice-President. Contrast: US Constitution requires 'natural born citizen' for President. |
| 3 | Foreigner once granted citizenship cannot be deprived | FALSE | Under Citizenship Act 1955 Section 10, a citizen by naturalisation, registration or acquisition of territory CAN be deprived of citizenship on grounds of: (i) fraud in obtaining it, (ii) disloyalty to Constitution, (iii) enemy assistance during war, (iv) imprisoned for 2+ years within 5 years of registration/naturalisation, (v) 7+ years residence outside India. |
Only statement 1 is correct. Answer: (a).
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Only statement 1 is correct - India has single citizenship and single domicile. Statement 2 is wrong (any Indian citizen, not just birth citizen, can become President). Statement 3 is wrong (naturalised citizens CAN be deprived under Section 10 of Citizenship Act).
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is wrong.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 3 is wrong.
- (d) Incorrect. Statements 2 and 3 are both wrong.
Key point
India = single citizenship + single domicile (Statement 1 correct). President can be ANY citizen (not just birth citizen) - Statement 2 wrong. Naturalised citizens CAN be deprived of citizenship under Section 10 of Citizenship Act 1955 - Statement 3 wrong.
Remember
India has only one citizenship and one domicile (statement 1 correct, unlike US federal + state citizenship). Any Indian citizen (not just birth citizen) can become Head of State (statement 2 wrong). Naturalised citizens can be deprived of citizenship under Section 10 of Citizenship Act (statement 3 wrong). Answer: (a) 1 only.
Common mistakes
- Confusing US requirement (natural born citizen for President) with Indian requirement (any citizen).
- Not knowing Section 10 of Citizenship Act allows deprivation for fraud, disloyalty, enemy aid, criminality.
- Assuming Indian states have separate citizenship. India has SINGLE citizenship (unlike US federal + state model).
Exam tip
Indian citizenship: (i) Single citizenship (Article 5-11); (ii) Any citizen can be President (Article 58) - not just birth citizen; (iii) Naturalised citizens deprivable under Section 10 Citizenship Act 1955; (iv) Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is not full citizenship - no voting rights, no property in agricultural land.
Sources
- Constitution of India - Articles 5-11 (Citizenship)
- Citizenship Act, 1955 - Section 10 (Deprivation of Citizenship)