Which authority decides citizenship for people in newly added territories?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Union Government

Explanation:

• The authority that decides citizenship for people in newly added or newly acquired territories lies with the Union Government of India.
• According to Article 6 and Article 11 of the Indian Constitution, the Union Government has the power to determine the citizenship status of individuals in such territories.
• When new territories are added to India, the Union Government ensures that the residents of those regions are provided with citizenship in accordance with the Citizenship Act, 1955.
• The government makes the final decisions regarding the process of naturalization and the verification of citizenship status for individuals in newly added regions.

Information Booster:

• The Citizenship Act, 1955 governs the laws relating to Indian citizenship, including acquisition, termination, and determination of citizenship for residents in newly added territories.
• The Union Government plays a key role in ensuring that proper procedures are followed for determining the citizenship of people residing in these areas.

Related Articles of Citizenship in the Constitution:

• Article 5: Defines the citizenship of persons in India at the commencement of the Constitution.
• Article 6: Provides for the determination of citizenship for persons migrating from Pakistan to India, especially after partition.
• Article 11: Empowers Parliament to regulate the acquisition and termination of citizenship by law, including in newly acquired territories.

Additional Knowledge:
(b) Supreme Court: The Supreme Court has the authority to adjudicate on constitutional matters, but the Union Government handles matters of citizenship, especially in newly acquired territories.
(c) State Government: The State Governments do not have the authority to decide citizenship. They may assist in administrative processes but the final decision rests with the Union Government.
(d) Election Commission: The Election Commission oversees elections and the conduct of democratic processes but does not have jurisdiction over matters of citizenship.