Former Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, Justice (Retd.) A.P. Shah, questioned a recent legal clarification that an Indian passport is not conclusive proof of citizenship, raising concerns over the implications of such a position.

Speaking at a lecture series organised by the Goa High Court Bar Association, Justice Shah said the issuance of a passport involves a rigorous verification process conducted by the State. He questioned why, after completing such detailed scrutiny, the government would maintain that a passport alone does not establish citizenship.

"If, after such rigorous verification, the State now says that a passport is not conclusive proof of citizenship, what does that imply? Does the State not have faith in its own verification process?" Justice Shah asked.

He said the issue raises important questions about administrative consistency and public confidence in official documents. Justice Shah stressed that legal interpretations affecting citizenship must be approached with clarity, as they have significant implications for citizens and governance.