Court Orders Timely Processing of Naturalization Application for Tenzin Thinley
Dehradun, August 18, 2026 — In a significant directive, the Uttarakhand High Court has instructed the District Magistrate of Dehradun to promptly process and forward Tenzin Thinley's application for Indian citizenship through naturalization to the Central Government. Presiding over the case, Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari issued the order to ensure the timely examination and processing of Thinley’s application under Section 6(i) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
The petitioner, Tenzin Thinley, represented by advocate Mr. Abhishek Kandwal, sought judicial intervention via a writ petition, claiming that his application for citizenship had not been forwarded by the District Magistrate to the Central Government, despite being duly filed. The application, identified by MHA File No: 2026080177, has been pending, prompting Thinley to seek a mandamus from the court to expedite the process.
The court acknowledged Thinley's plea, mandating the District Magistrate to thoroughly examine the application and accompanying documents. If the application is found complete and satisfactory, the District Magistrate is required to forward it to the Competent Authority in the Central Government within six weeks from receiving the certified copy of the court order.
Deputy Advocate General for the State of Uttarakhand, Ms. Mamta Bisht, represented the state in the proceedings. The case highlighted the petitioner's journey from Tibet to India on May 12, 2013, and his birth date of September 15, 1992, which were noted by the state's counsel during the hearing.
The court's directive aims to ensure that procedural delays do not hinder the applicant's pursuit of Indian citizenship. This decision underscores the judiciary's role in facilitating administrative processes, especially in matters concerning citizenship and naturalization.
Bottom Line:
Citizenship Act, 1955 - Application for citizenship by naturalization - District Magistrate directed to examine the application and forward it to the Central Government if found in order, within a specified time frame.
Statutory provision(s): Citizenship Act, 1955 Section 6(i)
Tenzin Thinley v. District Magistrate Dehradun, (Uttarakhand) : Law Finder Doc id # 2963804
