What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Bahison Ravindran, a 34-year-old web developer born in India to Sri Lankan refugee parents, is facing legal challenges regarding his citizenship status. Despite holding several government-issued identity documents, including an Indian passport, Ravindran was arrested in April due to his passport being deemed invalid. Authorities claim he is not an Indian citizen by birth, as his parents were Sri Lankans who fled to India during the civil war. A 1987 amendment to India's citizenship law requires at least one parent to be an Indian citizen for a child born after July 1, 1987, to qualify for citizenship by birth.
Why It's Important?
Ravindran's case highlights the complexities and challenges faced by individuals born to refugee parents in India. It underscores the broader issue of statelessness affecting thousands of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who fled to India during the 1980s. The legal and bureaucratic hurdles in acquiring citizenship can have significant implications for individuals' rights and access to services. This situation also raises questions about the treatment of refugees and the need for policy reforms to address statelessness.
What's Next?
Ravindran has applied for citizenship through naturalization, but his status remains uncertain. The Madras High Court's decision on his case could set a precedent for others in similar situations. Advocacy groups and policymakers may push for changes in citizenship laws to better accommodate individuals born to refugee parents, potentially influencing future legal frameworks.
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