Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID Don’t Grant Citizenship: Bombay HC Rejects Bail for Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrant

The Bombay HC ruled that Aadhaar, PAN, and voter IDs don’t confer citizenship, rejecting bail for a Bangladeshi accused of illegal entry and fake documents. The court upheld the Citizenship Act, 1955, stressing national security and distinguishing citizens from infiltrators.

New Delhi: The Bombay High Court recently gave an important verdict and clarified that a person cannot become a citizen of India on the basis of documents like an Aadhar card, PAN card, or voter ID. The court made this remark while refusing bail to a person accused of illegally entering India from Bangladesh. In this case, the accused is accused of living in India for about a year by making fake documents.

Justice Amit Borkar's bench said that the Citizenship Act, 1955, clearly defines who can be a citizen of India and who cannot. This law also explains how citizenship can be obtained. The court clarified that documents like Aadhar cards, PAN cards, and voter IDs are only for identity proof or to obtain government services, not proof of citizenship. These documents do not make a person a citizen of India.

Case of making fake documents

The accused in this case, Babu Abdul Rauf Sardar, is accused of entering India from Bangladesh without a valid passport or visa, and here he got fake documents like an Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, and even an Indian passport made. However, the court clarified that on the basis of these documents, he cannot be considered a citizen of India.

Citizenship law is paramount

Justice Borkar said that "The Citizenship Act, 1955, is the only law that decides who is a citizen of India and how citizenship can be obtained." He also said that if a person enters India illegally, then he cannot be entitled to Indian citizenship in any way.

Distinction between infiltrators and citizens is necessary

The court stressed that "it is very important to differentiate between citizens and infiltrators, because this ensures the sovereignty and security of the country." If illegal immigrants start getting citizenship rights, it can become a threat to the security of the country.

Order to continue investigation

The court refused to grant bail to the accused and said that if he is released, he can abscond. Therefore, the police was allowed to continue the investigation against him.

Issue of national security

This decision has come at a time when there is a debate going on in many states, including Bihar, about the inclusion of names of illegal infiltrators in the voter list.**. The court has made it clear that citizenship is not decided only by documents, but by law. This decision makes it clear that the Indian government and judiciary are taking a tough stand against illegal migration and the security and sovereignty of the country will be given top priority.