Madhya Pradesh Police Grapple With Status of Children Born to Indian Mothers, Pakistani Fathers
Madhya Pradesh Police struggle to determine the legal status of children born to Indian mothers and Pakistani fathers amid visa crackdown.
Madhya Pradesh Caught in Crossfire Over Citizenship of Indo-Pak Children
In the heart of India, a complex legal and humanitarian issue is unfolding. The Madhya Pradesh Police are facing a quandary: how to handle the uncertain citizenship status of children born to Indian mothers and Pakistani fathers. This follows the Indian government’s recent push to identify and expel Pakistani nationals staying in the country under various visa categories.
The issue came into sharp focus after at least nine such cases were identified across the cities of Bhopal, Jabalpur, and Indore. These children, most of them minors, are at the center of a bureaucratic tug-of-war—too young to make decisions for themselves, yet caught between two nations with increasingly tense diplomatic relations.
Crackdown After Kashmir Attack Sparks New Scrutiny
The urgency stems from a directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs shortly after a deadly terror attack in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22 that claimed 26 lives. In response, the government ordered all Pakistani nationals residing in India under 12 specific visa categories to leave the country. These include visitor, medical, student, business, and journalist visas, among others.
A senior police official confirmed that “at least 14 individuals in Madhya Pradesh, including these children, were asked to leave India. Three have already returned to Pakistan. Others remain under review by immigration and foreign registration authorities.”
While the directive clearly outlines expectations for adult visa holders, it offers little guidance on mixed-nationality families—particularly minor children born within Indian territory.
Children in Limbo: Legal Void Leaves Families Vulnerable
In Bhopal, four such cases have surfaced. Commissioner H.C. Mishra acknowledged the ambiguity surrounding these cases. “We’ve encountered children born to Indian mothers and Pakistani fathers. Since these are sensitive matters involving minors, we are seeking clear instructions from the central government,” he told reporters.
The dilemma becomes more urgent when families are asked to leave India—often on short notice. In Jabalpur, one Indian woman, who had married a Pakistani man, was discovered during a passport renewal appointment. She has three children and is expected to leave soon. However, questions remain: should the children accompany her, or do they have the right to stay in India due to their maternal lineage?
A senior officer familiar with the matter explained, “Minors cannot be deported forcibly. That’s a legal and ethical red line. We’re awaiting clarification because we expect more such cases across the state.”
Legal Ambiguity and Human Cost
The Indian Citizenship Act of 1955 provides that any child born in India between January 26, 1950, and July 1, 1987, is automatically an Indian citizen. However, for those born after that, especially if one parent is a foreign national, the waters are murkier. Even if born on Indian soil, citizenship isn’t guaranteed without due registration—especially if the father is a Pakistani national.
Advocates for these families argue that the children should not suffer the consequences of political decisions or visa violations by their parents. “These children know only India. For them, Pakistan is a foreign country. Forcing them to leave would be a violation of basic human rights,” says Rajiv Suri, an immigration lawyer based in New Delhi.
The Way Forward: A Call for Compassionate Clarity
While national security remains paramount, the current situation underscores the urgent need for policy clarity. Legal experts have urged the Centre to consider a humanitarian framework that prioritizes the well-being of children, especially when their Indian parent remains in the country legally.
As more such cases surface, Madhya Pradesh could become the bellwether for how India chooses to handle this sensitive issue. Striking a balance between upholding immigration laws and preserving the rights of children will require not just bureaucratic resolve, but moral courage.
Conclusion: Beyond Borders, Humanity Must Lead
This unfolding dilemma in Madhya Pradesh isn’t just a legal question—it’s a test of empathy, governance, and justice. These children, born to cross-border love stories now shadowed by political tensions, deserve more than to be treated as paperwork complications. Their future depends not on where their fathers were born, but on how India chooses to define compassion and citizenship in the 21st century.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information and aims to provide journalistic insight. It does not constitute legal advice. The situation is evolving, and readers are encouraged to consult official sources or legal experts for the most up-to-date guidance.
source : The Indian Express