94-Year-Old Andhra Pradesh Woman Renounces US Passport to Reclaim Indian Citizenship
BAPATLA — In an unusual and deeply emotional administrative event, a 94-year-old woman has initiated the formal legal process to renounce her United States citizenship and fully restore her status as an Indian national. Kondragunta Mahalakshmamma appeared before local authorities this week to declare that despite spending decades abroad, her final wish is to live out her remaining days and pass away as a citizen of her homeland.
The case came up for an official procedural hearing before Bapatla District Collector and District Magistrate B Vinod Kumar at the Public Grievance Redressal System (PGRS) Hall within the District Collectorate.
Originally a resident of Chinthagumpala village situated in the Chinaganjam mandal of Andhra Pradesh, Mahalakshmamma had relocated to the United States years ago following the death of her husband, Nagabhushanam.
From the United States Back to the Ancestral Village
While residing in the United States, Mahalakshmamma lived under the care of her son, Dr. K Buchaiah Choudhary, a practicing oncologist. She formally acquired her US citizenship in July 2000. However, after living as a naturalized American citizen for nearly twenty years, she chose to return to India permanently in 2018, re-establishing her home in her native village.
Key Milestones in Mahalakshmamma's Citizenship Timeline:
• July 2000: Formally acquires United States citizenship after relocating to live with her son.
• 2018: Returns to her native village in Andhra Pradesh after nearly two decades abroad.
• June 23, 2026: Appears before the Bapatla District Collector to complete the legal oath of allegiance.
• Next Steps: Documentation forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for final approval.
Since returning, she has maintained an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status alongside her US passport. To complete the transition back to full national status, she voluntarily initiated the online application process for the restoration of Indian citizenship, which requires a physical verification and an official oath before a designated magistrate.
Legal Formalities and Constitutional Compliance
Because of her advanced age, administrative staff provided the printout of the statutory oath of allegiance in her native language, Telugu, which she recited with the assistance of her son. The oath binds the applicant to uphold true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India and to faithfully fulfill the civic obligations expected of a full citizen.
The Citizenship Restitution Framework:
1. Online Filing: Registration via the integrated central visa and citizenship portal.
2. Local Verification: Physical appearance and identity verification before the District Magistrate.
3. Oath Administration: Recitation of the statutory pledge of allegiance to the Indian Constitution.
4. Federal Review: Forwarding local reports to the Ministry of Home Affairs for final passport clearance.
Following the formal recitation, district officials verified her background papers and guided her through the final paperwork. District Collector Vinod Kumar confirmed that the local administrative stage of the application process is complete.
The complete file, along with the district’s verification report, has been forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi, which holds the exclusive legal authority to grant final approval and reissue an Indian passport. Collector Kumar noted that his office has taken every necessary step under existing immigration and nationality laws to ensure the matter is handled efficiently.
FAQ
Can a former Indian citizen automatically reclaim their citizenship after returning?
No, the process is not automatic. India does not permit dual nationality. A former citizen who holds foreign citizenship must first apply formally through the Ministry of Home Affairs, submit verification documents, and take a physical oath of allegiance before a designated district magistrate.
What is the primary operational difference between holding an OCI card and full Indian citizenship?
While an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) enjoys a life-long visa to travel, live, and work in India, they do not hold political rights. OCI cardholders cannot vote in public elections, hold constitutional public offices, or purchase agricultural or plantation land.
How long does the Ministry of Home Affairs typically take to approve a citizenship restoration request?
The processing timeline varies depending on background checks, database verifications, and regional clearances. Once the local District Magistrate forwards the verified report, the central ministry reviews the file under the guidelines of the Citizenship Act, a process that generally takes several months.
What happens to an individual’s foreign passport during this process?
To successfully acquire Indian citizenship, the applicant must formally renounce their foreign citizenship and surrender their foreign passport to the respective country’s embassy or consulate, as Indian law strictly mandates single citizenship.
