GS2 · 10 marks · 150 words

"Citizenship is the legal foundation of constitutional rights and responsibilities." Discuss how India's approach to citizenship reflects its commitment to constitutional values.

Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental RightsDirective Principles and Duties

Syllabus: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

How toppers approached it

From all 3 answers · about 130 words · 67% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A definition2 of 3
  • A constitutional or legal provision1 of 3

Body

  • Points and prose2 of 3
  • Points1 of 3

Close

  • A summary3 of 3

The toppers’ answers

Pakshal SecretryAIR 8 · CSE 2025 · 128 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a constitutional or legal provision

Recently in Re: Section 6A vs UOI (2024) case of Assam Accord, SC held citizenship to be full political membership in country.

Body · points and prose

Diagram
- Citizenship - Membership of the country - Right to have Rights - Exclusive Benefits - eg Voting

India's Approach

  1. Jus Soli (Birth Based Citizenship)
  2. Descent based citizenship → family system of India
  3. Exclusion of foreigner → foreigner Tribunal → fraternity

④ Non-discrimination in citizenship → Value of equality (Art 14)

⑤ Citizenship to forced & persecuted minorities eg CAA, 2019 → commitment to justice & fair treatment

⑥ Denial to illegal migrants → preservation of culture (Art 30)

⑦ Principle of Non-Reciprocity eg → ensures morality & justice

⑧ Citizenship to settlers → Assam

Close · a summary

accord → upheld constitution values

Thus, Supreme Court highlighted in the recent case, that citizenship in India is about "live and let live" along with fraternity

More on Constitution and Basic Structure

Historical underpinnings, evolution, salient features, amendments and the basic structure doctrine.

All GS2 questions on Constitution and Basic Structure