Has the SC Responded to Pleas for Finalizing NRC in Assam?
Synopsis
The Supreme Court has issued notice on petitions from Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and AAMSU, demanding the completion of NRC processes in Assam. With over 3 crore citizens affected, the court's response could mark significant progress in resolving long-standing issues of citizenship and identity.
Key Takeaways
Supreme Court issues notice on NRC petitions.
Petitions filed by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and AAMSU .
Call for completion of statutory steps since August 2019.
Concerns over the uncertainty faced by over 3 crore individuals.
Potential implications for citizenship and immigration status.
New Delhi, Nov 10 (NationPress) The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice regarding writ petitions submitted by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and the All Assam Minorities Students’ Union (AAMSU). These petitions are urging the Centre and the Registrar General of Citizen Registration to fulfill the long-overdue statutory requirements following the release of the final National Register of Citizens (NRC) for Assam in August 2019.
A Bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and A.S. Chandurkar sought replies from the Union Government, the Census Commissioner, the Assam Government, and the State NRC Coordinator concerning the petitions, which stress that no measures have been taken in the past six years to implement the Final NRC.
Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Indira Jaising, represented by advocate Fuzail Ahmad Ayyubi, highlighted that while the Supreme Court monitored the NRC process between 2013 and 2019, authorities have not completed the final statutory processes under the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003.
The petition states that the Centre has not provided National Identity Cards to the 3.11 crore individuals included in the Final NRC, nor has it issued rejection slips to the 19 lakh individuals excluded from the list, preventing them from appealing to Foreigners’ Tribunals.
Moreover, the petition argues that leaving the NRC process in limbo has resulted in a significant population of “uncertain citizens,” fostering prolonged fear and social distrust. They assert that the NRC, which is a scientific, data-driven initiative involving the verification of over 3.3 crore applications and conducted under the oversight of the apex court, must reach its logical conclusion to uphold constitutional guarantees of equality and due process.
The petitioners contend that concerns regarding illegal immigration in Assam can only be effectively addressed by completing the NRC in adherence to the statutory framework, rather than allowing the process to remain stagnant despite a public expenditure exceeding Rs 1,600 crore.
The plea requests the issuance of National Identity Cards to all individuals included in the Final NRC and the provision of rejection orders, thereby initiating appeals for those left out.
Point of View
The situation surrounding the NRC in Assam highlights significant issues related to citizenship and identity that affect millions. It is essential for the Supreme Court's involvement to ensure that the constitutional guarantees of equality and due process are upheld. The resolution of this matter is crucial for national integrity and social harmony.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the NRC important?
The NRC is essential for identifying legitimate citizens and addressing illegal immigration concerns, ensuring that constitutional guarantees are upheld.
What are the current issues with the NRC process?
The NRC process has faced delays in finalizing statutory requirements, leading to uncertainty for many individuals regarding their citizenship status.
Who is affected by the NRC?
Over 3.11 crore individuals included in the Final NRC and others who were excluded are significantly impacted by the ongoing delays in the process.
What are the next steps following the SC's notice?
The Supreme Court's notice requires responses from various government bodies, which could prompt action to finalize the NRC and issue necessary documentation.
