NIKETAN PANJELA Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Sri Jagan Mohan P, learned counsel representing Sri Neeli Rishi Kumar, the learned counsel for the petitioner and Smt.NVR Rajya Lakshmi, learned Standing Counsel for Central Government, appearing for respondents. Perused the record.

(2.) This writ petition is filed complaining of the action of the respondent authorities in deboarding the minor petitioner on 23/10/2025 and in thereafter restraining him from travel, insisting upon surrender of his Indian passport and payment of penalty/overstay fees, despite the minor being a citizen of India by descent under Sec. 4(1)(b) read with Sec. 4(1A) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

(3.) The case of the petitioner is that the minor was born in the United Kingdom on 23/3/2022 to an Indian citizen father, that his birth was duly registered with the Indian Mission within the statutory period, and that he was issued an Indian passport on 2/5/2022. It is stated that the minor also acquired British citizenship by birth, which is automatic and involuntary, and that under Sec. 4(1A) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, the minor is entitled to retain Indian citizenship during minority and the question of renunciation arises only upon attaining majority.