Supreme Court seeks details on migrants made citizens via Section 6A Citizenship Act, steps to curb illegal migration

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Central government to submit details on the number of immigrants who were conferred Indian citizenship through Section 6A(2) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. .The Court also questioned the government on what steps have been taken so far to curb illegal migration into Indian territory.The Court was hearing a challenge to the validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act. .Section 6A concerns the grant of citizenship to immigrants who are covered by the Assam accord.As per Section 6A, people who entered India between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971, and have been living in Assam, will be allowed to register themselves as citizens. The outcome of this case will have a major bearing on the National Register of Citizens (NRC) list..Several petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of this provision and raising concerns that it has worsened the problem of illegal immigration in Assam. .A Constitution bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud with Justices Surya Kant, MM Sundresh, JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra today called on the Central government to submit its response to various queries to further examine these and related issues. The information called for is on the following aspects:.1. The number of persons on whom citizenship has been granted under Section 6A(2) of the Citizenship Act, namely those who came between January 1,1966 to March 25, 1971. 2. How many foreigners were detected under orders of the foreigners' tribunals with reference to the above time period? 3. The estimated inflow of illegal migrants into India including but not confined to Assam.4. In respect of persons who are alleged to have entered India after March 25, 1971, (a) the total number of foreigners' tribunals set up by the Central government, (b) the total number of cases disposed of, (c) the number of cases pending as on date, (d) the average time taken for disposal of cases and (e) the number of cases pending before the Guwahati High Court on such issues. 5. The steps taken by the Central government on the administrative level to deal with illegal immigration into the territory of India, particularly North-Eastern States..The Court ordered that a common affidavit of response be filed on these aspects by the Central government and the State of Assam."Where specific aspects require information from State government, the data shall be shared by State of Assam. However, a common affidavit be filed by the state of Assam and the Union of India," the bench directed. .Today marked the third day of final hearings in the petitions challenging Section 6A of the Citizenship Act. Click here to read more on Day 1 of the final hearing and here to read Day 2 of the hearing..[Read live updates from the hearing]