Supreme Court delays Assam NRC hearing on Citizenship Act's section 6A until December 5

The Supreme Court of India has decided to delay the hearing on a group of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, until December 5. These petitions specifically challenge the provisions of the Assam Accord, which served as the foundation for the 2019 National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, requested the postponement, citing prior commitments and the upcoming Diwali break. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud acknowledged the challenge of assembling a constitutional bench, further complicating the scheduling of the hearing. The case's primary objective is to assess whether Section 6A possesses any constitutional flaws.

In September, a five-judge bench led by Chief Justice Chandrachud had established procedural guidelines for the case. The outcome of this hearing will significantly impact the interpretation and implementation of the Citizenship Act in Assam, with potential repercussions on the state's National Register of Citizens. The delay in the hearing raises anticipation and speculation regarding the final decision's implications for the citizens of Assam.