Mumbai court: Voter ID proves citizenship

Mumbai, February 20

A Mumbai court earlier this month ruled that a voter identification card was sufficient to prove citizenship.

Abbas Shaikh (45) and his wife Rabiya Khatoon Shaikh (40) were recently arrested by the city police on suspicion of being Bangladeshi nationals. They were accused of violating the Passport (Entry into India) Rules, 1950, and the Foreigners Act, 1946.

The police said the couple was arrested after an informer provided information to the authorities that they were residing illegally in India. The couple denied they were Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in India. They produced several documents as evidence, including Aadhaar card, PAN card, election card and passbook. The magistrate held that an election card or a voter ID was sufficient proof of citizenship.

The court further added that the Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving licence or ration card were not sufficient proof of citizenship. The couple was acquitted. — TNS