Javed Akhtar Slams MEA's Passport Clarification
Writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar, 81, has strongly criticized the Ministry of External Affairs for stating that a passport is primarily a travel document and does not by itself constitute proof of citizenship. On X, Akhtar called the position 'absurd' and questioned how the government issues passports if it is not fully satisfied that an applicant is a citizen. His post ignited a broader debate online and offline.
MEA's Statement on Passport Seva Divas
The Ministry of External Affairs issued the clarification during the 14th Passport Seva Divas, emphasizing that a passport serves mainly as a travel document. The statement drew sharp criticism from Akhtar and other public figures, who argued that it undermines the document's perceived value as an identity proof.
Celebrities Weigh In on the Controversy
Actor and producer Anupama Prakash said the clarification caught many off guard. 'Many of us have grown up believing that a passport is the ultimate identity document. If the legal position is different, then it is important for citizens to understand it. Awareness is the key because documentation affects everyday life, from travel to official procedures,' she stated.
Actress and naturopath Deepti Bhatnagar, who travels frequently, called for greater transparency. 'If the law distinguishes between a travel document and proof of citizenship, people deserve simple and transparent explanations. The easier these policies are to understand, the more confident citizens will feel while dealing with official processes,' she said.
Actress Parakh Madan focused on the common person's perspective. 'For the common person, documentation can already be complicated. Any change or clarification related to citizenship should be communicated clearly, because people should know exactly which documents serve what purpose. Awareness is just as important as the policy itself,' she noted.
Actor Darshan Dave, known for his roles in Begusarai and Ghar Ek Sapna, offered a grounded take. While he does not believe citizens will be stripped of their status overnight, he raised concerns about the difficulty of producing older documents. 'Birth certificates get lost. Marksheets go missing. Parents' records are not always traceable,' he said. He drew on his own experience of receiving an income tax recovery notice in 2026 for the year 2009, requiring documents from nearly two decades ago. 'I am feeling the same frustration today. I hope for a solution that does not cause our future generations to panic,' he added.
Growing Debate Shows No Signs of Fading
Javed Akhtar may have been the first to voice the criticism, but as more voices join, the debate he sparked continues to gain momentum. The MEA's clarification has opened a wider conversation about the role of passports and the need for clear communication on documentation policies.
