Centre to HC: After a single judge of the Delhi High Court ordered the Centre to grant Indian citizenship to a 17-year-old girl who born in India to Indian-origin parents holding US citizenship with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has raised concerns.

Represented by the government lawyer Abhigyan Siddhant, the MHA told a division of bench led by Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela that the earlier May 15, 2024, ruling should be treated as a one-time decision and not set a precedent for other similar cases.

The MHA argued that the single-judge’s comments on the terms like “illegal immigrant” and “person of Indian-origin” could lead to many others seeking citizenship, which might have weaken the rules under the Citizenship Act, 1955.

The 2024 High Court ruling was in the case of Rachita Francis Xavier, who was born in 2006 in Nidamanuru, Andhra Pradesh. Her parents were originally with the Indian citizens but later became US citizens in 2001 and 2005.

In 2019, when Rachita applied for an Indian passport to pursue higher studies abroad, her application was rejected. Authorities said she could not be treated as an Indian citizen, which left her in a stateless position which she had no citizenship in India or the US.

Rachita then challenged the decision in the Delhi High Court, which eventually ruled in her favour.

MHA: Rachita Not a Person of Indian Origin, Considered Illegal Migrant

Centre to HC: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) told the High Court that, according to Indian citizenship laws, Rachita cannot be seen as a “person of Indian origin”. Instead, she should be treated as an “illegal migrant” under Section 2(1)(b) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

The reason which given was that Rachita did not have a valid passport, visa, or any official travel document to legally stay in India.

At the time of her birth, her parents were living in India and held Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, and Rachita had lived in India her entire life.

In its May 15, 2024, judgment, the single-judge bench said that Rachita’s case was unique, and she should not be considered an illegal migrant. The court ruled that she does qualify as a person of Indian origin and ordered that she be granted Indian citizenship.

The judge also noted that Rachita had been left stateless, which affected her basic rights and human rights due to the lack of any citizenship or political identity.

Following the court’s order, Rachita was officially granted Indian citizenship on July 31, 2024.

MHA Challenges HC’s Interpretation of ‘Illegal Migrant’ in Rachita’s Case

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also appealed against parts of the Delhi High Court’s May 2024 order. While the MHA is not opposing the decision to grant Indian citizenship to Rachita, it has challenged the judge’s view that she is not an “illegal migrant” and should be considered a “person of Indian origin.”

The MHA said that this declaration goes against the law, particularly the Citizenship Act, 1955.

According to the MHA, the judge wrongly concluded that Rachita’s status as someone born in India and never having left the country makes the definition of “illegal migrant” inapplicable to her.

The ministry which argues that Section 2(1)(b) of the Act clearly states that even a child born in India without valid travel documents can be classified as an illegal migrant.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also requested the court to take a “harmonious” view of both the Citizenship Act and the Foreigners Act, 1946. It said that these laws, when read together, already cover all types of foreign nationals, including children born in India to foreign parents.

The MHA was also pointed out that the law allows visa services for such children within 90 days of birth, so there are already legal processes in place for their stay in India.

MHA Disagrees with HC’s View on ‘Indian Origin’ in Rachita Case

Centre to HC

Says child can’t be called person of Indian origin just because her mother was born in independent India

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) told the Delhi High Court that the single judge made a mistake by declaring Rachita a “person of Indian origin” just because her mother was born in India after 1947.

Citing Section 5 of the Citizenship Act, the MHA said a person can only be called of Indian origin if they—or one of their parents—were born in undivided India (as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935) or in a region that became part of India after 15 August 1947 (like Sikkim).

The MHA argued that anyone born in India after 1947 is already considered Indian by birth, and their children don’t fall under the category of “person of Indian origin”.

“If we interpret the law this way,” the MHA warned,
“then even someone born in Pakistan or Bangladesh after 1947 could claim Indian origin, which was never the lawmakers’ intention and could have serious consequences.”

The High Court has scheduled the case for further hearing on October 15.

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In a landmark move that has ignited general hope and appreciation across Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has promised free power to all domestic consumers within the state. The announcement, pre-dating the 2025 assembly polls, is not just a political promise—it is a life-altering welfare scheme that will improve the day-to-day lives of millions of families.

For the majority, electricity bills normally find their way into compromises elsewhere on other essentials. But now, thanks to this news, lakhs of households, especially from low- and middle-income groups, are looking forward to actual relief.

https-:www.etnownews.com:news:ahead-of-bihar-elections-cm-nitish-kumar-announces-free-electricity-details-article-152293652

A Welfare Promise that Lights Up Lives

Electricity is not a luxury anymore — it’s a necessity. From powering fans and charging phones to lighting students working late at night or women cooking in well-lit kitchens, affordable and uninterrupted access to electricity changes lives.

By announcing electricity as free, Nitish Kumar has lifted the financial burden from the shoulders of many families. This move goes directly to economic pressure in village and town homes and ensures that people don’t have to choose between paying a bill or buying groceries.

According to state government sources, the scheme will be rolled out efficiently with proper guidelines on which units are covered and whom it is eligible for, so that the benefit is given to every eligible household without duplication.

Empowering Rural Bihar

Rural Bihar is typically the most adversely affected when it comes to basic services. Although the Har Ghar Bijli Yojana allowed for electricity connections to residences, several families still rationed their usage to maintain bills at a minimum. This assurance of free electricity means those same families can use electricity without fear.

For the farmer, it also translates into simpler access to electric pumps and storage equipment. For the student, it translates into study hours that will not be curtailed in expectation of outrageous bills. And for the homemaker, appliances can now be used more freely, easing the course of daily living.

A Track Record of Inclusive Governance

Nitish Kumar’s government has always prioritized towards public welfare. From empowerment programs for women through Jeevika to improved roads, education, and provision of electricity, the CM has kept a focus on inclusive and sustainable development.

This fresh commitment solidifies his image as a listener who delivers. It’s not just free electricity—it’s about safeguarding and ensuring fundamental rights for those who normally don’t get heard in policymaking.

The plan is also in tune with the nation’s efforts towards green and affordable energy and could provide ground for negotiations on **solar subsidies or improved infrastructure** in the future.

Warm Public Reception

The reception to the plan in Bihar has been extremely warm. Citizens have started trending topics like #ThankYouNitishJi and #BijliHarGharFree on social media, highlighting just how much this decision is welcomed at the grassroots level.

> “Earlier, we used to have just one fan and one bulb to cut down on expenses. Now my children can study quietly. It appears someone considered our needs,” Rekha Devi, a homemaker in Nalanda.

> “Electricity is as basic as water and food. Charging nothing shows that our CM understands what the common folk really desire,” Santosh Kumar, owner of a small shop in Patna.

The news has also inspired pride and optimism, with people praying that Bihar will now set an example for other states in India.

A Vision for the Future

This is not just a poll gimmick — it’s a policy with a vision for the future, which inspires the masses. By giving electricity free of cost, the state government is also encouraging greater use of technology, better health conditions, and better education outcomes.

Moreover, this step indirectly helps climate targets, as the government will most likely monitor use and promote sustainable energy patterns. For the administration, it’s a chance to gain credibility and show accountability, especially if roll-out remains smooth and transparent.

In a political ethos in which promises are known to remain promises on paper, Nitish Kumar’s plan of free electricity is bold, pragmatic, and deeply human. It reaches out to millions and shows a clear urge to convert development more than into a catchword.

As assembly elections near, one thing is sure: this promise not only set discussions going, but it has also lit fire — the hope that government can care, and development can be truly inclusive.

In months to come, all eyes will be on the implementation, but for now, Bihar is festive with a promise that lights up homes — and hearts.

A Joyful Moment for Bollywood’s Favorite Power Couple!

Bollywood fans witnessed an emotional high this week as Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra welcomed their baby girl. Though the announcement felt magical, fans had already predicted this joyful moment months ago. From the moment Kiara dropped subtle pregnancy hints, fans began guessing the baby’s gender online. Interestingly, the majority leaned toward a girl, which now turns out absolutely true. With their love story already winning hearts, their parenthood journey just made headlines worldwide.

Back in February 2025, Kiara shared a picture of baby socks with the caption, “The greatest gift coming soon.” This cryptic post instantly sparked buzz, with social media users diving into baby name predictions and gender theories. Fans flooded Reddit and Instagram with posts confidently claiming the couple would have a daughter. Many cited their “soft aura” and romantic connection as reasons behind their intuition. Others simply felt it was a gut feeling shared across the fandom.

Why Did Fans Believe It Would Be a Girl?

What made fans so sure Kiara and Sidharth would welcome a baby girl instead of a boy? Many cited Bollywood patterns, noting how other recent celebrity couples also had daughters. Others felt the couple’s emotional vibe matched the gentle spirit often associated with raising a girl. Social media turned into a prediction hub, filled with posts confidently claiming their baby would be a girl.

Did Social Media Play a Role in Manifesting the Moment?

Could internet energy have influenced reality, or was it simply a lucky collective guess? Online users genuinely believed in their prediction, and several joked about manifesting it together. From Reddit threads to fan forums, the conversation never stopped gaining traction. In hindsight, it felt like fans emotionally aligned with the outcome—and they proudly celebrated when the prediction came true.

A new light happiness in their forever story

What Did the Couple Say After the Baby’s Birth?

On July 15, 2025, the couple officially announced the birth of their baby girl on Instagram. Their caption read, “Our world has changed forever. We’re blessed with a beautiful baby girl today.” Celebrities, fans, and media houses instantly responded with love, making the post trend across all platforms. Bollywood’s beloved couple embraced parenthood in a moment that captured everyone’s hearts.

What Lies Ahead for Kiara and Sidharth as Parents?

Will Kiara continue working while embracing motherhood, or take a well-deserved break from films? Fans also wonder how Sidharth will manage fatherhood along with his professional commitments and public spotlight. As the couple enters a new chapter, audiences eagerly await their next move—and maybe, baby photos too!

As Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra embrace parenthood, their love story enters its most heartfelt chapter yet. From blockbuster beginnings to real-life milestones, they continue to inspire with grace and unity. With the arrival of their baby girl, their bond grows stronger, brighter, and more meaningful. Fans across the world send endless love, eagerly awaiting every glimpse of this beautiful new journey.