Art. 6 Part II: Citizenship

Rights of Citizenship of Certain Persons Who Migrated From Pakistan

Exact text — Constitution of India

Notwithstanding anything in article 5, a person who has migrated to the territory of India from the territory now included in Pakistan shall be deemed to be a citizen of India at the commencement of this Constitution if—(a) he or either of his parents or any of his grandparents was born in India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935; and (b)(i) in the case where such person has so migrated before the nineteenth day of July, 1948, he has been ordinarily resident in the territory of India since the date of his migration, or (ii) in the case where such person has so migrated on or after the nineteenth day of July, 1948, he has been registered as a citizen of India...

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

A specific transitional rule for the enormous population movement during Partition. It set different conditions depending on WHEN someone migrated from what became Pakistan: those who migrated before 19 July 1948 became citizens simply by continuous residence since migrating, while those who migrated later needed to formally register as citizens through a government-appointed officer.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This Article, along with Articles 7 and 8, reflects how directly the Constitution had to grapple with Partition's human consequences — it's a historical provision whose direct application is now largely complete, but it illustrates how citizenship law was shaped by a specific, defining moment in India's history.

Read alongside this one

Art. 7 — Rights of Citizenship of Certain Migrants to Pakistan Art. 5 — Citizenship at the Commencement of the Constitution

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 6

Is Article 6 still relevant to anyone today?

Its direct application (determining citizenship as of 1950) is now historical, but it remains part of the constitutional and legal record relevant to any lingering citizenship-status disputes tracing back to that specific migration period.

← PreviousArticle 5: Citizenship at the Commencement of the Constitution Next →Article 7: Rights of Citizenship of Certain Migrants to Pakistan

The text above reproduces Article 6 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.