Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Parliament
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question examines your understanding of which organ of the state has authority over citizenship in India. Citizenship determines who belongs to the political community of India and who enjoys full civic and political rights. The Constitution sets broad principles and then assigns power to a specific institution to regulate details through legislation. Knowing which body can make and amend citizenship laws is a fundamental part of Indian polity.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Articles 5 to 11 of the Constitution deal with citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution. Article 11 specifically empowers Parliament to make any provision with respect to the acquisition and termination of citizenship and all other matters relating to citizenship. The Union Cabinet is an executive body that may propose bills, but the power to regulate citizenship flows through legislation enacted by Parliament. The Supreme Court interprets these laws and tests them against the Constitution but does not itself make citizenship law. The Law Commission can recommend changes but has no legislative authority. Therefore, the correct answer is Parliament.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Article 11 gives Parliament the power to make laws on citizenship.Step 2: Understand that regulation of citizenship is done through acts such as the Citizenship Act, which are passed by Parliament.Step 3: Note that the Union Cabinet, Supreme Court, and Law Commission have supportive or advisory roles but do not have primary legislative power.Step 4: Select Parliament as the institution that constitutionally regulates citizenship in India.
Verification / Alternative check:
Verification is straightforward. Any standard polity book will explain that Parliament enacted the Citizenship Act and its subsequent amendments, including those related to registration, naturalisation, and loss of citizenship. The Constitution does not grant this law making power to the judiciary, the executive, or advisory bodies. Court decisions may interpret the law, and the Cabinet may introduce bills, but the final power to regulate lies in parliamentary legislation. This confirms Parliament as the correct choice.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Union Cabinet is part of the executive and can only propose laws to Parliament; it cannot unilaterally regulate citizenship through binding legislation, so this option is incorrect.
The Supreme Court can interpret citizenship laws, protect fundamental rights, and strike down unconstitutional provisions, but it does not have legislative authority to frame or amend citizenship laws, so this option is wrong.
The Law Commission is an advisory body that studies legal issues and suggests reforms, but its recommendations become law only if Parliament enacts them, so it does not itself regulate citizenship and this option is therefore incorrect.
Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates confuse the power to interpret the law with the power to make the law and may wrongly choose the Supreme Court. Others overestimate the role of the Union Cabinet, forgetting that all important citizenship provisions finally appear in Acts passed by Parliament. To avoid such confusion, remember the basic division of powers: Parliament legislates, the executive implements, and the judiciary interprets. Citizenship is clearly allocated to Parliament under Article 11.
Final Answer:
Parliament has the constitutional power to regulate the right of citizenship in India by making laws on that subject.
Discussion & Comments