The Supreme Court is set to deliver its highly anticipated verdict today, October 17, on the petitions challenging Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, a provision specific to Assam under the Assam Accord. The Constitution Bench, headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, and comprising Justices Surya Kant, MM Sundresh, JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra, reserved its judgment last December following four days of extensive hearings.
Section 6A permits individuals of Indian origin who migrated to Assam between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971, to apply for Indian citizenship. However, several indigenous groups in Assam have vehemently opposed this clause, claiming it encourages illegal immigration from Bangladesh and threatens their cultural and political rights.
During the hearings, the apex court directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to provide comprehensive data on the influx of migrants into Assam and other northeastern states after March 25, 1971. The court also sought detailed reports on foreign tribunals and the number of immigrants granted citizenship over the years.
