With the Indian Union Home Ministry issuing a directive that anyone registering their birth in Lisbon is considered a foreign citizen and not allowed to hold Govt or public office, there could be untold implications in Goa.
I have a few questions that some Goanetters would be able to answer. 1. Is this HM order pursuant to a Supreme Court ruling or expected ruling on Radharao's client's petition against the validity of Caitu Silva's ministership, or unrelated to or merely a late recognition of the flouting of law. 2. How was Caitu Silva allowed to stand for elections without a declaration of his Indian citizenship? 3. Are all Goans within the parameters recognized by Portugal not already Portuguese by default or is the Indian law promulgated soon after 1961 valid by international standards viz you are considered an Indian if you if did not specifically declare yourself Portuguese. Personally, I am of the opinion that the Home Ministry's view is correct. You cannot be a foreign national and enjoy the perks of Indian nationality after India has disallowed true dual citizenship. But I also think that successive Indian administrations have been rather blockheaded in maintaining this denial of dual citizenship in today's global world context. Is only the question of Pakistan driving this stubbornness even after a commission appointed for the purpose recommended the change. The can of worms opens up with the fact that no action will be taken against people holding Portuguese nationality because such is not possible. Action will be taken on complaints only. Could not there be chaos in Goan socety with malicious, frivolous and jealousy driven complaints. Worse still communal feeling with Hindus usually assuming that Catholics are pro-Portuguese. What an ill thought out way of suddenly implementing the law of the land. Roland. Sent from Samsung Mobile
