SC Says Citizenship Must Come Before Voter Status
The Supreme Court has ruled that people applying for citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act cannot be added to voter lists until their citizenship is officially granted. The court said voting rights cannot be given “provisionally” on the basis of an application or receipt.
SIR revision was in focus
The petition was filed during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in states such as West Bengal. The applicants wanted CAA applicants to be included in the voter list on a temporary basis, arguing that they would otherwise be excluded during elections. The court said this could not be done under the law.
Citizenship first, then voting rights
The bench noted that the CAA only provides a pathway to apply for citizenship. It does not automatically make applicants citizens. The judges made it clear that electoral enrolment is possible only after all formal procedures are completed under the Citizenship Act.
No shortcut through voter lists
The court added that the process of updating voter rolls cannot act as a substitute for verifying citizenship. Only confirmed citizens can be enrolled. The ruling brings clarity during the revision exercise and reinforces that voter rights come after citizenship is granted.
