SHORT ANSWER:
The key criteria for Indian citizenship are outlined in the Citizenship Act, 1955.
DETAILS:
- An individual can acquire citizenship by birth, descent, registration, naturalization, or incorporation of territory.
- For citizenship by birth, a person born in India on or after January 26, 1950, is a citizen if either parent is an Indian citizen.
- For citizenship by descent, a person born outside India is a citizen if their father is an Indian citizen at the time of birth.
- Registration is available for certain categories like persons of Indian origin and spouses of Indian citizens.
- Naturalization requires residing in India for a specific period and fulfilling other conditions.
PUNISHMENT / IMPLICATIONS (if applicable):
- Illegal immigrants may face detention or deportation.
SOURCE:
- Citizenship Act, 1955
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