Stateless in a Land Called Home: The Citizenship Battle of Bahison Ravindran

Bahison Ravindran has always considered himself Indian, a sentiment deeply rooted in his upbringing in Tamil Nadu, India. Born to Sri Lankan refugee parents who fled the civil war in their homeland, Bahison's life took a drastic turn when authorities arrested him this past April, revealing that his Indian passport was invalid.

The issue stems from a 1987 amendment to Indian citizenship law which mandates at least one parent must be a citizen for children born in India after July 1 of that year. As a 1991 birthright to Sri Lankan refugees, Bahison now finds himself categorized as 'stateless,' despite his lifelong residency and commitment to India.

In his recent court appearance at the Madras High Court, Bahison revealed he was unaware of this citizenship nuance until it was brought to his attention by law enforcement. After realizing the implications, he promptly applied for 'citizenship through naturalization,' but for now, he remains without a nation.

His story resonates with the plight of over 22,000 individuals, also born to Sri Lankan Tamil parents in India, who face a similar citizenship crisis. These individuals live with uncertainty, many of whom fled to India in search of refuge, only to find their legal status remains unrecognized decades later.

Part of this debacle stems from India not signing the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, considering these refugees as illegal migrants. Adding salt to the wound, the 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) excludes Tamils, despite the historical ties and cultural connections evident in their shared language and proximity.

Bahison, who has recently married, faced additional challenges after applying for a passport to include his spouse's name—an application that unexpectedly triggered scrutiny of his citizenship. As a result of this scrutiny, he was arrested, charged with forgery and illegal possession of an Indian passport, leading to a 15-day custody ordeal.

Bahison’s case highlights an ongoing and emotionally charged debate regarding the status of Tamil refugees in India. Despite various political parties promising change, resolutions remain elusive. Like Bahison, many dream of being recognized and accepted in the country they’ve always called home. As the court case unfolds, Bahison hopes for a favorable judgment, one that could pave the way for his rightful citizenship.