Once upon a time in the land of India, there was a constitution that laid down the principles and laws to govern the nation. Within this constitution, there existed a special article, known as Article 6, which dealt with the rights of citizenship for a specific group of individuals who had migrated to India from the neighboring country of Pakistan. This article told a unique story, defining the conditions under which these individuals could be considered citizens of India.
In this tale, the first condition stated that if a person, or either of their parents, or any of their grandparents were born in India, as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935, they would be deemed citizens of India. It was a way to honor their roots and acknowledge the connection they had with the land that gave birth to their family.
The second condition wove a tale of residency. It stated that if a person had been living in India for a continuous period of at least five years immediately before the constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, they would be eligible for Indian citizenship. This provision recognized the value of time and stability, considering those who had made India their home for an extended period.
The third condition took the story back in time. It explained that if a person had migrated to India from Pakistan before July 19, 1948, and had been living in India since then, they would also be considered for Indian citizenship. This provision recognized the hardships and challenges faced by those who had chosen to leave their homeland and settle in India during the tumultuous partition between the two countries.
However, it was important to note that this special story only applied to individuals who had migrated from Pakistan and not to those who had come from any other country. It was a specific tale that aimed to address the unique circumstances and history shared between India and Pakistan during that time.
As time passed, the story of Article 6 came to a conclusion. It was announced that this provision was only in force until July 19, 1948. Therefore, from that point onwards, it would no longer determine the rights of citizenship for those who had migrated from Pakistan to India.
And so, Article 6 of the Indian Constitution served as a significant chapter in the nation’s legal framework. It narrated the rights of citizenship for a particular group of individuals who had made the journey from Pakistan to India. It recognized their connections, their residency, and the challenges they had faced. Ultimately, it stood as a reminder of India’s commitment to inclusivity and the acknowledgment of its shared history with its neighboring country.
Sircilla Srinivas is a Senior Journalist with 35+ years of experience in Professional Journalism from United Karimnagar and Jagityal Dist, Telangana. Awardee of TS Govt Haritha Haram 2017 State cash Award. Participating in social activities such as Assistant Governor of Rotary Club Dist.3150, Dist committee member of Indian Red Cross society.