Citizenship is not merely a legal concept. It is also closely related to the larger notions of equality and rights. A widely accepted formulation of this relationship was provided by the British sociologist, T. H. Marshall (1893-1981). In his book, Citizenship and Social Class (1950), Marshall defined citizenship as “a status bestowed on those who are full members of a community. All who possess the status are equal with respect to the rights and duties with which the status is endowed.”

Article 6 of the Indian Constitution provides for the rights of the citizenship of certain persons who have migrated to India from Pakistan.

Article 11 – The Parliament to regulate the right of citizenship by law.

Nothing in the foregoing provisions of this Part shall derogate from the power of the Parliament to make any provision with respect to the acquisition and termination of citizenship, and all other matters relating to citizenship.