The Citizenship Act, 1955

This edition of The Citizenship Act, 1955 (Act 57 of 1955), updated for 2026, serves as a comprehensive and reliable legal reference for students preparing for judiciary and legal practitioners, academicians, and government officials dealing with citizenship and nationality laws. The book presents the bare text of the law along with short comments, ensuring a clear understanding of the statutory provisions while maintaining the authenticity of the legislative text for legal study and professional reference.

This updated edition incorporates the provisions of The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, together with the latest amendments notified up to GSR 369(E), dated 18-5-2026, and includes the Citizenship Rules, 2009, making it fully aligned with the current legal framework governing citizenship in India. It also contains the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, as amended, along with the notification relating to the Establishment of the Empowered Committee under Section 6B(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, providing a complete legislative reference in a single volume.

The content covers the full scope of India's citizenship law, including:

• Acquisition of Citizenship by Birth, Descent, Registration, Naturalisation, and Incorporation of Territory
• Termination, Renunciation, and Deprivation of Citizenship
• Provisions introduced by the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA)
• Registration and Naturalisation Procedures
• Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Provisions
• Citizenship Rules, 2009 with the latest amendments
• Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003
• National Register of Citizens (NRC) related statutory provisions and procedures
• Constitution and functions of the Empowered Committee under Section 6B(1)
• Relevant notifications, rules, and procedural requirements
• Bare Act text with short comments for quick legal reference

This edition is particularly suitable for:

• Law students and academicians requiring the latest text of the Citizenship Act for study and research
• Advocates and legal professionals handling citizenship, immigration, and constitutional law matters
• Government officers and administrative authorities dealing with citizenship-related issues
• Researchers and policy professionals requiring an authoritative legislative reference

Whether used in the classroom, the courtroom, government offices, or for competitive examination preparation, this updated edition of The Citizenship Act, 1955 delivers a comprehensive and current legal resource reflecting the law as applicable in 2026.