New Delhi [India], July 10 (ANI): Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking immediate intervention against the Karnataka Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC), 2026 notification, citing concerns over its constitutional validity and possible national security implications.
In her letter dated July 8, Karandlaje said the notification issued by the Karnataka government introducing the Permanent Residence Certificate raises “serious constitutional, legal and national security concerns” that require urgent examination by the Union government.
She stated that the Constitution of India provides for one citizenship for all citizens and alleged that the introduction of a Permanent Residence Certificate seeks to create a separate category of “permanent residents” without any constitutional or statutory authority.
Karandlaje further claimed that the classification is arbitrary, lacks a rational nexus with any legitimate constitutional objective, and violates Article 14 of the Constitution.
The Union Minister also expressed concerns over the eligibility criteria for the certificate, stating that they appear to be based primarily on residence and local verification by revenue authorities, without mandating verification of Indian citizenship through competent Central authorities.
According to the letter, such a mechanism could potentially allow illegal immigrants or foreign nationals residing unlawfully in the state to obtain the certificate through local documents or fraudulent means. She claimed that this could enable access to state benefits, educational admissions, employment opportunities and other entitlements meant for eligible citizens.
She said that matters relating to citizenship, foreigners, immigration and internal security fall within the exclusive domain of the Union government under the Constitution, adding that any state-level mechanism resembling permanent residency status has the potential to interfere with these constitutional functions.
Karandlaje requested Amit Shah to examine the constitutional validity of the Karnataka Permanent Residence Certificate, 2026, and direct the state government to keep the implementation of the notification in abeyance until such an examination is completed.
She also sought a detailed report from the Karnataka government on the constitutional and statutory authority under which the notification was issued. Additionally, she requested that no Permanent Residence Certificate be issued without comprehensive verification of Indian citizenship through competent Central agencies.
The Union Minister further urged the Home Minister to take any necessary steps to safeguard the constitutional framework, national security and the principle of equality guaranteed under the Constitution.
Karandlaje called for immediate intervention, citing the “far-reaching constitutional implications” and “serious concerns relating to national security” arising from the notification. (ANI)
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