Assam Minister Atul Bora Welcomes Supreme Court’s Decision on Citizenship Act
On October 17, Assam Minister and President of Asom Gana Parishad, Atul Bora, expressed his approval of the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Section 6A of the Citizenship Act. This section was added in 1985 as part of the Assam Accord, a historic agreement addressing immigration issues following the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
Supreme Court’s Verdict
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices Surya Kant, MM Sundresh, and Manoj Misra, upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A, with Justice JB Pardiwala dissenting. The Central government had previously stated its inability to provide precise data on illegal migration due to its secretive nature.
Historical Context
Section 6A was introduced as a humanitarian response to the influx of migrants during the Bangladesh Liberation War. It allows migrants who arrived in Assam between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971, to register for Indian citizenship. The Assam Accord, negotiated in 1985, aimed to address the concerns of local groups like the All Assam Students Union and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad.
Migration Data
Between 2017 and 2022, 14,346 foreign nationals were deported, and 17,861 migrants who entered Assam between 1966 and 1971 were granted citizenship. Additionally, 32,381 individuals were declared foreigners by Foreigners Tribunals during the same period.
Background of the Assam Accord
The Assam Accord was a result of negotiations between the Indian government and local groups to manage the influx of Bangladeshi immigrants post-1971. The agreement set March 25, 1971, as the cutoff date for granting citizenship to migrants from Bangladesh.
Doubts Revealed
Assam -: Assam is a state in northeastern India, known for its rich culture, tea gardens, and the Brahmaputra River.
Atul Bora -: Atul Bora is a politician from Assam, serving as a minister in the state government. He is involved in local governance and decision-making.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in India. It makes important decisions on legal matters that affect the whole country.
Citizenship Act -: The Citizenship Act is a law in India that defines who can be an Indian citizen and the process for acquiring citizenship.
Section 6A -: Section 6A is a part of the Citizenship Act that deals specifically with people who came to Assam from Bangladesh during a certain period.
Assam Accord -: The Assam Accord is an agreement signed in 1985 to address issues related to immigration in Assam, especially from Bangladesh.
1971 Bangladesh Liberation War -: The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War was a conflict that led to the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan. Many people fled to India during this time.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud -: DY Chandrachud is a judge and the Chief Justice of India, leading the Supreme Court in making important legal decisions.
