Lok Sabha passes Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2015

The Lok Sabha on 2 March 2015 passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2015 by voice vote. This bill will replace an ordinance promulgated in this regard and amend the Citizenship Act, 1955. Key provisions of the Bill It merges Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. In cases related to citizenship by registration and naturalization, this amendment bill relaxes the requirement of 12 months. In this case, 30 days break will be provided if the central government is satisfied in special circumstances with a written record. On additional grounds, person may register for overseas citizenship card (OCC) such as Minor children whose parent or parents are Indian citizens. Spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI/ PIO cardholder subjected to certain conditions. Person who is a citizen of another country, meets one of several conditions of Citizenship Act, 1955 then his great grandchild may register. It also gives powers to Central government, to terminate OCC obtained by the spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI/PIO cardholder in case The court dissolves the marriage or Even after the first marriage has not been dissolved, the spouse enters into another marriage.