Karnataka PRC – Shobha Karandlaje Seeks Amit Shah’s Intervention Over Certificate Plan
Karnataka PRC – Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene in connection with Karnataka’s proposed Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC), 2026. In a letter sent on Friday, she raised constitutional, legal and national security concerns over the state government’s notification.
Karandlaje, who holds the portfolios of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour and Employment, requested the Centre to examine the measure and halt its implementation until a detailed review is completed.
Karnataka government links PRC plan to voter roll revision
The issue follows an announcement by Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar regarding the proposed issuance of Permanent Residence Certificates. According to Shivakumar, the certificates are intended to help eligible citizens take part in the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The Chief Minister has said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that eligible voters are not removed from electoral lists during the revision process. The exercise is expected to involve verification of voter details and supporting records.
Minister questions constitutional basis of certificate
In her representation to the Home Minister, Karandlaje said the PRC notification required urgent scrutiny by the Union government. She argued that the Constitution provides for a single citizenship framework across India and does not permit states to create a separate category of permanent residents without constitutional or statutory backing.
She said such a classification could conflict with Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law. According to the minister, the proposed certificate lacks a clear constitutional purpose and may create an arbitrary distinction among residents.
Karandlaje also sought a report from the Karnataka government explaining the legal authority under which the notification was issued.
Citizenship verification remains a central concern
The Union Minister expressed concern over the eligibility conditions outlined for the certificate. She said the process appeared to rely largely on residence records and verification by local revenue officials, without requiring a thorough check of Indian citizenship through central agencies.
In her letter, Karandlaje warned that such a process could be misused by people residing in the country unlawfully. She said individuals could potentially obtain a certificate by presenting local documents or using fraudulent methods if adequate safeguards are not built into the system.
She further argued that a PRC could later be used while seeking access to state welfare schemes, educational admissions, employment opportunities and other government-related services. In her view, this could complicate efforts to identify and remove illegal immigrants.
Appeal seeks pause on PRC implementation
Karandlaje stated that citizenship, immigration, foreigners and internal security are subjects that fall under the Union government’s authority. She said a state-level document that resembles a permanent residency status could interfere with the country’s uniform citizenship and internal security framework.
The minister asked Amit Shah to examine the constitutional validity of the Karnataka Permanent Residence Certificate, 2026. She also requested that the state government be directed to keep the plan on hold while the matter is reviewed.
Her appeal included a request for comprehensive citizenship verification through competent central agencies before any PRC is issued. She said the Centre should take any further steps required to protect constitutional principles, equality before law and national security.
Karandlaje concluded her letter by calling for immediate intervention, citing what she described as the wider constitutional implications of the proposed certificate system.