Consider Application Filed By Padmashri Recipient Seeking Indian Citizenship Without Further Delay: Madhya Pradesh HC

The Madhya Pradesh High Court had directed the Government authorities to consider the application filed by a  "Padmashri" award recipient Bhalchandra Dattatray Mondhe seeking Indian Citizenship

Bhalchandra, an octogenarian Artist, sculptor and ace photographer was awarded Padmashri in the year 2016. Though he was born in Indore,  he later migrated to United Kingdom. He applied for grant of Indian citizenship on 15.5.2009.

Before the Court, he submitted that his British passport has expired now and hence a time-bound direction be issued to consider his plea. He said that he has renounced the British citizenship and the U.K. Government has accepted his renouncement.

The court noted that all the relevant documents has been submitted by the petitioner, and there is no impediment in considering the pending application without any further delay. 

"The Collector & District Magistrate is directed to forward the colour scanned copy of renunciation certificate along with all other documents of the case in question to the Principal Secretary, Home Department, Govt. of M.P. and in turn, the Principal Secretary, Home Department, Govt. of M.P. shall forward the same to the Government of India in Home Ministry, who is directed to directed to pass an appropriate order in accordance with law. The entire exercise be completed within a period of 45 days from today and final out come be communicate to this Court on or before 5th January 2021. Looking to the age of the petitioner a prompt action is expected from all the competent authorities.", Justice Vivek Rusia ordered.

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