The Indian Citizenship is governed by the Citizenship Act, 1955, which was enacted by the Indian Parliament. As per the Indian Constitution, a person can acquire Indian citizenship by birth, descent, registration, and naturalization.
- Citizenship by birth: A
person born in India on or after 26th January 1950, but before 1st July
1987, is a citizen of India by birth. If a person was born in India on or
after 1st July 1987, then both of the parents must be citizens of India or
one of the parents must be a citizen of India and the other must not be an
illegal migrant at the time of the birth.
- Citizenship by descent: A
person born outside India on or after 26th January 1950 but before 10th
December 1992, is a citizen of India if either of his parents is a citizen
of India at the time of his birth.
- Citizenship by registration:
A person who is not a citizen of India by birth or descent can apply for
citizenship by registration if he has been residing in India for at least
seven years before making the application.
- Citizenship by
naturalization: A person who is not a citizen of India by birth or descent
can apply for citizenship by naturalization if he has been residing in
India for at least twelve years (with breaks) before making the
application and fulfills other prescribed conditions.
The Indian Constitution does not discriminate on
the basis of religion, race, caste, or gender, and every person having Indian
citizenship has equal rights and protections under the law.