Vemulawada MLA Chennamaneni Ramesh's citizenship cancelled

The Union Home Ministry on Wednesday cancelled the citizenship of Vemulawada MLA Chennamaneni Ramesh on grounds that he obtained it by concealing his visits abroad during the 12-month period immediately preceding his application seeking Indian citizenship.

Ramesh decided to move the Telangana High Court yet again, challenging the decision, and expressed his confidence that justice would be done to him.

Ramesh said despite the High Court orders to consider his plea by taking into consideration the Citizenship Act in spirit, but not on technicality basis, the Union Home Ministry cancelled his citizenship ignoring the High Court orders. He said he would approach the High Court again to retain his citizenship.

In 2017, the Centre decided to cancel Ramesh’s citizenship after a BJP leader claimed



that he was a German citizen. The legislator approached the High Court citing Section 10(3) of the Citizenship Act, which states: “The Central government shall not deprive a person of citizenship under this section unless it is satisfied that it is not conducive to the public good that the person should continue to be a citizen of India”.

Satisfied with the arguments, the High Court gave a verdict in favour of Ramesh and directed the Union Home Ministry to hear his plea again. A Committee of Inquiry was constituted to look into the issue. Based on its report, the Union Home Ministry stated that though Ramesh had no criminal background or was involved in any criminal cases, his plea for upholding his Indian citizenship cannot be entertained as it will set a bad precedent for others.