Which principle of citizenship did India start following more strictly after the 2003 Amendment?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Jus sanguinis (by blood)

Explanation:

• The 2003 Amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955, introduced stricter provisions for acquiring Indian citizenship by birth.
• Before 2003, India largely followed the jus soli principle (citizenship by birth in the territory).
• The amendment marked a shift towards jus sanguinis (citizenship by blood), requiring at least one parent to be an Indian citizen and the other not to be an illegal migrant.
• Section 3 of the Citizenship Act was amended to restrict automatic citizenship by birth after 2003.
• This change was intended to regulate illegal migration and strengthen national security.

Information Booster:

• The term jus sanguinis means "right of blood" — citizenship is not determined by place of birth but by having one or both parents who are citizens.
• The amendment also introduced the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) category and made citizenship laws more stringent.

Additional Knowledge:

Dual citizenship (Option a)

• India does not allow dual citizenship in the full sense.
• OCI and PIO cards provide limited rights, but not full dual citizenship.
• This principle is explicitly avoided in Indian law.

Jus soli (by birth) (Option b)

• Followed more fully before 1987 and partially until 2003.
• After 2003, this was curtailed in favour of stricter conditions.

Universal citizenship (Option c)

• A theoretical concept advocating a single citizenship for all humans.
• Not applied or recognized in Indian constitutional or legal framework.