Stateless for Years, Pakistani Hindu Doctor Granted Indian Citizenship

Rapid Summary

• Dr. Nanikraz Khanoomal Mukhi, originally from Hyderabad in Pakistan, has been registered as an Indian citizen by the Gujarat High Court under Section 5 (1)(A) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
• He moved to India in 2009 seeking better education for his children adn to escape possible religious persecution.
• Dr.Mukhi renounced his Pakistani passport in 2021 but had been stateless for four years due to delays in citizenship approval.
• His citizenship submission was initiated in 2016 and finalized on August 5,after intervention by the Ahmedabad District Magistrate’s office.
• Dr.Mukhi’s clinic was sealed during his stateless period as he lacked Indian citizenship required for licensure; he has withdrawn a petition filed in the Gujarat High Court after being granted citizenship.
• His wife received a naturalization certificate under relevant provisions of the Citizenship Act, while their three children became citizens via registration under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), effective March 11, 2024.
• Citizenship matters are under India’s Union List and handled by district magistrates authorized by the Ministry of Home Affairs for specific migrant communities.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The case highlights both challenges and opportunities within India’s legal framework on migration and citizenship. Dr. Mukhi’s prolonged struggle underscores systemic delays that may arise during complex bureaucratic procedures-a potential area of betterment even under clarified regulations like those added through CAA, 2019.

While expedited access to Indian citizenship offers relief to individuals facing religious persecution or displacement from neighboring countries like Pakistan, bangladesh, or afghanistan-this situation also spotlights administrative bottlenecks that can impede its timely implementation at local levels.Moreover, granting him full rights as a recognized citizen aligns with constitutional guarantees essential for professional practise and personal identity validation within India’s framework. This incident suggests scope not only for procedural efficiency but assures alignment between policy intent (protecting vulnerable migrants) and operational outcomes.

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