Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID alone not enough proof of citizenship: Bombay High Court

The Bombay High Court denied bail to Bangladeshi national Babu Abdul Ruf Sardar, ruling that possession of Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID or passport does not establish Indian citizenship. 

Justice Amit Borkar emphasised the Citizenship Act, 1955, as the sole authority on nationality, noting that these documents only serve identification purposes. 

The accused faces charges of illegal entry and procuring forged identity cards; digital birth certificates from Bangladesh found on his phone remain under investigation. 

The Court found a credible risk of absconding and a lack of authenticated proof of citizenship, but allowed him to renew his bail plea if his trial exceeds one year.

[Babu Abdul Ruf Sardar v The State of Maharashtra]