Supreme Court Seeks Data on Citizenship and Illegal Immigration in Landmark Hearing
In a significant development that could have far-reaching implications on citizenship and immigration policies in India, the Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Central government to furnish detailed information regarding the conferral of Indian citizenship through Section 6A(2) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. The directive came during the ongoing hearing of a challenge to the validity of Section 6A, a crucial provision concerning the grant of citizenship under the Assam Accord.
Section 6A, a critical component of the Citizenship Act, deals with granting citizenship to immigrants who entered India between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971, and have been residing in Assam. This provision plays a pivotal role in the National Register of Citizens (NRC) list, a topic of national and regional significance due to its impact on the demographic and political landscape of Assam and neighboring states.The Court’s query extends to the number of people who have been granted citizenship under this section, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in the process. Additionally, the bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, sought information on the steps taken by the government to curb illegal migration into Indian territory, an issue that has been a long-standing concern, particularly in the North-Eastern states.The bench, also comprising Justices Surya Kant, MM Sundresh, JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra, called for detailed data on various aspects, including the number of foreigners identified by tribunals, the influx of illegal migrants, and the performance of foreigners’ tribunals in handling such cases.The Court’s directive for a joint affidavit from the Central government and the State of Assam underlines the collaborative approach required in addressing these complex issues. The data requested includes not only the numbers of those granted citizenship but also insights into the administrative strategies employed to manage illegal immigration.This hearing marks the third day of final hearings in the petitions challenging Section 6A of the Citizenship Act. Several petitions have raised concerns over the constitutional validity of this provision and its impact on the problem of illegal immigration in Assam.The outcome of this case is poised to significantly influence the implementation of the NRC list and the broader discourse on citizenship and immigration in India. As the nation awaits the Central government’s response, the Supreme Court’s insistence on detailed data reflects a commitment to informed decision-making in one of the most sensitive and critical areas of national policy.
