ANI
The petitions challenging Section 6A argue that the presence of illegal immigrants from East Pakistan has seriously disrupted the demographic balance of Assam. The petitioners claim that the rights of the indigenous Assamese population are at risk, claiming that Section 6A effectively legalizes unauthorized immigration.
The Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, delivered a significant judgment on the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act. This provision pertains to Bangladeshi immigrants who entered Assam between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971, allowing them to register as Indian citizens. However, immigrants who entered after March 25, 1971 are not eligible for citizenship.
The demand for stricter immigration controls intensified after Bangladesh separated from Pakistan on March 26, 1971. Student organisations, particularly All Assam Students Union (AASU) and Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP), protested against the increasing influx of Bangladeshis. Immigrant. In response, Section 6A was included in the Citizenship Act as part of the ‘Assam Accord’, a memorandum of understanding signed on 15 August 1985 under the Rajiv Gandhi government. This provision was intended to address the concerns of these groups by identifying and expelling foreign migrants who entered Assam after March 25, 1971.
The petitions challenging Section 6A argue that the presence of illegal immigrants from East Pakistan has seriously disrupted the demographic balance of Assam. The petitioners claim that the rights of the indigenous Assamese population are at risk, claiming that Section 6A effectively legalizes unauthorized immigration. Chief Justice D.Y. The Constitution bench headed by Chandrachud is expected to deliver its verdict at 10:30 am. This decision may have a significant impact on the demographic landscape of Assam and the rights of the residents.
