Part II - Citizenship • Article

Article 5 Simplified: Citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution

Article 5 defines who became an Indian citizen on January 26, 1950, based on their domicile (permanent home). You became a citizen if you were born here, or if your parents were born here, or if you had lived here for 5 years.

Official Text

At the commencement of this Constitution, every person who has his domicile in the territory of India and— (a) who was born in the territory of India; or (b) either of whose parents was born in the territory of India; or (c) who has been ordinarily resident in the territory of India for not less than five years immediately preceding such commencement, shall be a citizen of India.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

Article 5 is like the 'Original Member' rule. It says that on the day the Constitution started, everyone who was born in India or had parents born here, and had lived here for 5 years, was officially an Indian citizen.

Student Mode

Defines citizenship 'at the commencement of the Constitution' (Jan 26, 1950) based on domicile and birth/residency.

Example

If a person was born in Mumbai in 1940 and was still living there in 1950, Article 5 automatically recognized them as a citizen of the new Republic.

Key Takeaway

Article 5 set the starting line for who is 'Indian'.

FAQs

Can an NRI have dual citizenship?

No, India does not allow dual citizenship. If you take citizenship of another country, your Indian citizenship is cancelled.

What is 'Domicile'?

It means living in a place with the intention to stay there permanently.

Quiz

When did Article 5 take effect?

Answer: 1950

Does India allow dual citizenship?

Answer: No