Citizens and Citizenship – Detailed TNPSC/BEO Notes
1. Introduction
Civics is the study of government, citizenship, and the rights and duties of individuals within a
state. The word 'Citizen' is derived from the Latin word 'Civis,' meaning a resident of a city-state
in ancient Rome. In modern times, a citizen is a legal member of a state who enjoys full civil and
political rights and performs duties towards the nation.
2. Citizen – Meaning and Definition
A citizen is a person who is legally recognized as a member of a country. Citizens have the right
to enjoy all legal benefits provided by the state and must obey laws and fulfill duties.
3. Types of Citizens
Citizens are broadly classified into two types:
1. Natural Citizens – People who acquire citizenship by birth.
2. Naturalised Citizens – People who acquire citizenship through legal processes such as
registration or naturalisation.
4. Acquisition of Indian Citizenship
The Indian Citizenship Act, 1955 provides five methods for acquiring Indian citizenship:
4.1 By Birth
• A person born in India between 26 Jan 1950 and 1 July 1987 is an Indian citizen by birth.
• If born between 1 July 1987 and 3 Dec 2004, one parent must be an Indian citizen.
• After 3 Dec 2004, one parent must be a citizen, and the other must not be an illegal migrant.
4.2 By Descent
• A person born outside India between 1950–1992 is a citizen if the father was an Indian citizen.
• After 10 Dec 1992, a person is a citizen if either parent is an Indian citizen.
• After 2004, birth must be registered within one year at an Indian consulate.
4.3 By Registration
Citizenship may be granted to:
• Persons of Indian origin living outside undivided India.
• Persons of Indian origin living in India for 7 years.
• A person married to an Indian citizen and residing in India for 7 years.
4.4 By Naturalisation
Citizenship can be granted if the person:
• Is not a citizen of a country where Indians are denied citizenship.
• Renounces previous citizenship.
• Has lived in India or served the Indian government for at least 12 months before applying.
4.5 By Incorporation of Territory
If a foreign territory becomes part of India, the people of that region become Indian citizens.
Example: Pondicherry became part of India through the 1962 order.
5. Loss of Indian Citizenship
5.1 Renunciation
Voluntary act where a person gives up Indian citizenship after acquiring citizenship of another
country.
5.2 Termination
Automatic loss of citizenship when an individual voluntarily acquires foreign citizenship.
5.3 Deprivation
Compulsory removal of citizenship by the Government of India due to fraud, disloyalty, false
representation, or illegal acts.
6. Single Citizenship
India follows the principle of Single Citizenship, meaning all Indians, regardless of the state they
belong to, have only one national citizenship. This promotes unity and avoids discrimination.
Federal countries like the USA have dual citizenship (National and State), but India does not.
7. Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)
Overseas Citizenship is not full citizenship but a special status offered to foreign citizens of
Indian origin.
7.1 NRI (Non-Resident Indian) – An Indian citizen living abroad.
7.2 PIO (Person of Indian Origin) – Foreign citizen with Indian ancestry (now merged with OCI).
7.3 OCI Card Holder – Foreign citizen of Indian origin allowed to live and work in India
permanently, but cannot vote.
8. Rights and Duties of Citizen
Fundamental Rights include:
1. Right to Equality
2. Right to Freedom
3. Right against Exploitation
4. Right to Freedom of Religion
5. Cultural and Educational Rights
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies
Fundamental Duties include:
1. To respect the Constitution and National Symbols
2. To defend the country
3. To promote harmony
4. To protect the environment
5. To safeguard public property
6. To develop scientific temper