The Supreme Court has taken decisive action regarding the long-stalled National Register of Citizens (NRC) process in Assam, issuing formal notices to multiple authorities demanding explanations for the six-year delay in completing mandatory procedures.
Legal Battle Over Unfinished NRC Process
On Monday, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice AS Chandurkar issued notices to the Centre, the Assam government, and other concerned authorities. This action came in response to a writ petition filed by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and the All Assam Minorities Students' Union (AAMSU), who are seeking completion of statutory steps that have remained pending since the final NRC list was published on August 31, 2019.
The petitioners argued that despite the passage of over six years, authorities have failed to execute crucial legal requirements. Approximately 3.11 crore people included in the final NRC still await their national identity cards, while over 19 lakh excluded individuals have not received formal rejection orders that would enable them to file appeals before Foreigners' Tribunals.
Constitutional Rights at Stake
Appearing before the Supreme Court bench, senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Indira Jaising presented compelling arguments about the constitutional implications of the delay. Jaising emphasized that obtaining an identity card affirming Indian citizenship through the NRC process constitutes a fundamental right of every citizen.
The petitioners contended that the failure to complete these statutory steps has rendered the entire NRC exercise incomplete, describing it as unconstitutional, arbitrary, and in violation of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. They specifically highlighted the non-compliance with Rule 13 of the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, which mandates issuing national identity cards, and Paragraph 8 of the Schedule to Rule 4A, which requires providing rejection orders and initiating the appeal process.
Widespread Impact on Assam's Population
The prolonged delay has created uncertainty for millions of residents in Assam. Those included in the NRC remain without official documentation confirming their citizenship status, while those excluded find themselves in legal limbo, unable to challenge their exclusion through proper channels.
The Supreme Court's intervention marks a significant development in the long-running NRC saga, potentially paving the way for resolution of a process that has left over 3.3 crore people in a state of uncertainty regarding their citizenship status and fundamental rights.
