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Citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution

At the commencement of this Constitution, every person who has his domicile in the territory of India and —                 (a) who was born in the territory of India; or         (b) either of whose parents was born in the territory of India; or         (c) who has been ordinarily resident in the territory of India for not less than five years immediately preceding such commencement,   shall be a citizen of India.

This is an informational reference compiled from the public-domain text of the Constitution of India. For the authoritative version and latest amendments, refer to the official text published by the Government of India. For help with a real-life situation, see the Citizen Rights Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Article 5 of the Indian Constitution say?

At the commencement of this Constitution, every person who has his domicile in the territory of India and — (a) who was born in the territory of India; or (b) either of whose parents was born in the territory of India; or (c) who has been ordinarily resident in the territory of India for not less than five years immed…

Which Part of the Constitution contains Article 5?

Article 5 falls under Part II — Citizenship — of the Constitution of India.

Related Articles in Part II