'Passport is not proof of citizenship', controversy erupts over South Block's comment

A passport is primarily a travel document. It is not proof of citizenship. Such a statement by an official of India's central Ministry of External Affairs has sparked great turmoil across India. The official made this comment yesterday, Wednesday, at an event organized to mark the 14th Passport Seva Divas. As soon as this comment came to light, debates erupted everywhere, from political circles to social media.
The ministry's stance is that passports are issued only to Indian citizens. Verification is done at multiple levels beforehand. However, if a legal dispute arises over whether a person is a citizen, the court may also ask for a birth certificate, family documents, or other proofs. That is why a passport is not seen as the sole and ultimate proof of citizenship.
The South Block is a prominent government complex in New Delhi situated on Raisina Hill. Inaugurated in 1931 and designed by British architect Herbert Baker, it houses the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Ministry of Defence.

However, this explanation from the South Block official in New Delhi has further increased the anxiety of many. Critics are asking, if even a passport is not reliable proof of citizenship, then by showing which document will ordinary people prove themselves to be Indian citizens?
Renowned lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar wrote on social media, "If the government is not completely sure that a person is Indian, then how is he given a passport?" Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP and lawyer Kapil Sibal has also raised questions about the government's position, stating that this could create unnecessary confusion about citizenship.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Aditya Thackeray questioned, "On what basis does the police verify before issuing a passport?" On the other hand, senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai said that if neither the voter card, Aadhaar, PAN card, nor the passport is the final proof of citizenship, then it should be considered whether a separate citizenship certificate is needed for citizens.

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi have also criticized this comment. However, as the controversy escalated, the central government said on Thursday that the position of not viewing the passport as the final proof of citizenship is not new. The government claims this legal position has been in effect for many years, and no new decision has been made in this regard.