NEW DELHI, May 8 � The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked Government of India to complete the modalities for update of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) within three months and report back.
According to president of the Assam Public Works (APWs), Abhijeet Sharma, the Supreme Court�s direction came after Government of India said in its affidavit that modalities along with forms which would be used for update of NRC would be finalised within three months. Thereafter a notification would be issued for commencement of work of update of NRC in Assam, which would be completed within three years from the date of issue of notification.
The Government of India�s counsel informed that a meeting was convened on April 8 by Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Assam and Registrar General of India (RGI).
The Government of Assam�s counsel said in its affidavit that update of NRC and detection of foreigners are two distinct processes to achieve separate distinct objectives of the Assam Accord.
Sharma told newsmen that the apex court instructed Government of India that the three months� time would be over in the month of July and by the next date of hearing, they should be ready with all documents for submission.
The Supreme Court remarked that it was a very serious matter and it would continue to monitor the progress.
The APW had submitted an additional affidavit on April 26 stating that Rule 4A of the Citizenship (Registration of Citizenship and issue of National Identity Cards) Rules 2003 is completely flawed as it is ultra vires of the Constitution. Sharma said they had pointed out that unlike in other states, in Assam people have to apply and prove that they are Indians.
