STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ORS. vs SHAH MOHAMMAD & ANR.

The Supreme Court held that Section 9(1) of the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955 applies retrospectively to cases where an Indian citizen acquired foreign nationality between January 26, 1950, and the commencement of the Act. The Court clarified that the language of Section 9(1) is clear and unequivocal, thus allowing for the determination of citizenship claims by courts even if the Act came into force during pending suits. The Court upheld the High Court's decision that the respondent did not cease to be an Indian citizen, thereby dismissing the State's appeal.