Assam passport row intensifies: What is it and can an Indian citizen hold multiple passports?

Dispur: The run-up to the Assam Assembly elections has seen a fresh political exchange between the Congress and the ruling party, with allegations involving Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his family drawing attention.

Congress leader Pawan Khera has alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the Chief Minister’s wife, holds multiple foreign passports, a claim that has been strongly denied by the Chief Minister.

What is the Assam passport row?

The Assam passport row refers to allegations made by Congress leader Pawan Khera claiming that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, holds multiple foreign passports. These claims have been denied by the Chief Minister, who has described them as politically motivated.

The issue has gained traction ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, turning into a wider political dispute between the ruling party and the opposition. Alongside political exchanges, the controversy has also drawn public attention to India’s citizenship and passport regulations.

Why the issue has gained attention

The allegations have triggered discussions not just in political circles but also among the public because they involve legal questions about citizenship, passport ownership, and dual nationality. Since passports are directly linked to citizenship, the claims have led to scrutiny of how Indian law treats such situations.

Can an Indian citizen legally hold more than one passport?

Under Indian law, an Indian citizen cannot legally hold more than one valid passport, especially if it involves a foreign passport alongside an Indian one.

India does not permit dual citizenship. According to the Citizenship Act, 1955, an Indian citizen automatically loses citizenship if they voluntarily acquire citizenship of another country. This means holding a foreign passport is treated as evidence of having acquired foreign citizenship.

Rule 30 of the Citizenship Rules, 1956, reinforces this by stating that possession of a foreign passport is considered proof of voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship.

What the law says about passports

The Passports Act, 1967 governs passport-related matters in India. It empowers authorities to impound or revoke passports in cases of wrongful possession or misuse.

Section 10 of the Act allows passport authorities to cancel or impound documents if they are obtained improperly, while Section 12 provides penalties for fraud, concealment, or misuse of passport documents.

Holding multiple passports in violation of these provisions can lead to legal consequences, including cancellation of passports and further action under the law.

What is OCI and how is it different?

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme allows foreign nationals of Indian origin to live and work in India with certain benefits. However, OCI is not equivalent to dual citizenship.

OCI holders do not have political rights such as voting or holding public office, and the status does not grant full citizenship privileges. It is a long-term visa arrangement rather than a form of citizenship.

Broader significance

The Assam passport row has become more than a political dispute, as it highlights India’s strict stance on citizenship and passport laws. It has also brought attention to how legal provisions are interpreted in cases involving allegations of multiple passports, especially in a politically sensitive environment ahead of elections.