SC directs to provide data on illegal migration to Assam and North-Eastern states after 24 March 1971

Today, the Supreme Court (SC) of India heard for the third time a batch of petitions challenging Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, inserted to give effect to the Assam Accord 1985. The bench directed the Union Government to provide data on illegal migration to Assam and North-Eastern states after 25 March 1971. As per Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, people who entered India between 01 January 1966 and 25 March 1971 will be allowed to register themselves as citizens. The provisions established a cut-off date for entry into the state, March 24, 1971, and those who entered after March 25, 1971, were to be declared as foreigners. The matter was heard by a constitution bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice Manoj Misra, Justice MM Sundresh, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Surya Kant. The SC also directed to inform steps taken by the government to deal with illegal migration to Assam and North-Eastern states, at the administrative level. It further added to file the affidavit before next Monday.