Mumbai Court Says Voter ID Card Is A Valid Proof Of Citizenship; Case Dismissed Against ‘Illegal Bangladeshi’ Migrants

As per the reports, a Mumbai court earlier this month ruled an election card or voter identification card was sufficient proof of citizenship. 

In the wake of citizenship protests due to the implementation of CAA and NRC, this is a significant verdict coming from the Court.

The Case Of Citizenship In Mumbai Court

According to reports, Abbas Shaikh (45) and his wife Rabiya Khatoon Shaikh (40) were recently arrested by the city police on suspicion of being Bangladeshi nationals. 

Basically, they were charged with violating Passport (Entry into India) Rules, 1950 and Foreigners Act, 1946.

As the police official said, the couple was arrested from the Reay Road neighborhood after an informer provided information to the authorities that they were Bangladeshi nationals residing “illegally” in India.

Two police officials informed before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate A H Khashikar that one Rabibul from the suburbs of Mankhurd, who was arrested on suspicion of being a Bangladeshi, named the couple as fellow migrants. 

While Rabibul subsequently escaped from police custody, the Shaikhs were picked up from their shanty at Reay Road, the policemen told the court.

Although, the couple, denied that they were Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in India and also produced several documents as evidence. 

Moreover, Abbas Shaikh produced his Aadhaar card, PAN card, election card, bank passbook, health card and ration card as proof of his Indian nationality, but his wife produced her Aadhaar card, PAN card and election card.

The Verdict On Citizenship By Mumbai Court

The magistrate held that an election card or voter ID was sufficient proof of citizenship. “…..while applying for the election card or voting card a person has to file declaration with the authority in view of Form 6 of Peoples Representation Act to the authority that he is citizen of India and if the declaration is found false, he is liable for punishment. To my mind such a declaration is sufficient to prove the citizenship unless contrary is proved by the prosecution…,” the magistrate ruled.

After this, both the accused were acquitted by the Court.

The Court clearly stated that the prosecution failed to provide any evidence in proving that the accused were illegal nationals.

We will keep you updated, as more details come in.