The government's insistence that a passport is a travel document rather than a proof of citizenship aligns with a strict interpretation of the Passports Act, 1967. By clarifying this distinction, the Ministry of External Affairs is ensuring that administrative and legal processes remain consistent with the original intent of the legislation. The Act was designed to manage the movement of people across borders, and treating it as a catch-all document for citizenship could lead to legal ambiguities in other areas of law, such as the Citizenship Act, 1955.
Furthermore, the fact that only a small fraction of the population—less than 8%—holds a passport highlights why it cannot be the sole or primary benchmark for citizenship. Relying on a document held by such a limited segment of society would be impractical for national-level verification processes. By maintaining this clear separation, the government prevents the potential misuse of travel documents in contexts where more comprehensive proof of citizenship is required, thereby protecting the integrity of national identity records.
This approach also provides clarity for citizens and administrative bodies alike. When the purpose of a document is clearly defined, it reduces the risk of confusion during routine government interactions. The government's stance serves to uphold the established legal framework, ensuring that citizenship status is determined through the appropriate channels rather than through documents intended for international transit.