Published Jul 10, 2026 | 5:10 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 10, 2026 | 5:10 PM
Shobha Karandlaje. (X)
Synopsis: In a letter dated 8 July, the Bengaluru North MP argued that the Constitution provides for a single, uniform Indian citizenship and that the creation of a state-level “permanent resident” category has no constitutional or statutory basis. She also contended that the PRC eligibility process relies primarily on local residence verification by revenue authorities without mandatory citizenship verification by the centre.
Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene against the Karnataka government’s newly notified Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC), 2026, alleging it lacks constitutional backing and could be misused by illegal immigrants.
In a letter dated 8 July, the Bengaluru North MP argued that the Constitution provides for a single, uniform Indian citizenship and that the creation of a state-level “permanent resident” category has no constitutional or statutory basis. She also contended that the PRC eligibility process relies primarily on local residence verification by revenue authorities without mandatory citizenship verification by the centre.
Karandlaje warned that the alleged gap could enable illegal immigrants or those residing unlawfully in India to obtain PRCs using local documents or fraudulent means, potentially allowing them to access government benefits, educational admissions, jobs, and other state services.
She has requested Amit Shah to examine the constitutional validity of the notification, direct the Karnataka government to keep its implementation on hold pending a review, seek a detailed report on the legal basis for the scheme, and ensure that no PRCs are issued without comprehensive citizenship verification by central authorities.
The controversy comes after Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the PRC scheme was intended to help eligible voters participate in the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and prevent genuine voters from being removed from the rolls.
Responding to the BJP’s criticism, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge defended the notification, maintaining that the state government has the constitutional authority to frame rules and issue Permanent Residence Certificates.
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(With inputs from Keerthivas)
