1982 Citizenship Law

The 1982 Citizenship Law, officially known as the Citizenship Act of 1982, was a significant piece of legislation in India that established the criteria for Indian citizenship. It outlined various pathways to acquire citizenship, such as by birth, descent, registration, and naturalization. The law aimed to clarify the rights of Indian citizens and also dealt with issues of illegal immigration, particularly concerning refugees and those fleeing political unrest. It distinguished between those born in India and those whose parents were Indian citizens, shaping the framework for citizenship in a diverse nation.