Supreme Court Directs Centre and Assam Government on NRC Appeals for 19 Lakh Excluded Applicants

Shillong, India Jul 21, 2026 ALN: The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, issued notices to the Centre, the Assam government, and other respondents on a petition seeking the immediate initiation of the long-pending appeal process for over 19 lakh people excluded from the final National Register of Citizens (NRC) published in Assam in 2019.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi was hearing a petition filed by the Assam State Jamiat Ulama, an organization representing various Muslim communities in the region. This petition highlights the concerns of those who have been left in a state of uncertainty and distress due to their exclusion from the NRC, which was intended to serve as a definitive list of legal citizens in Assam.

During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner submitted that those excluded from the final NRC have been left in limbo as the statutory appeal mechanism has not yet been made operational. The National Register of Citizens was implemented in Assam as a means to identify and document Indian citizens residing in the state, particularly in response to concerns about illegal immigration from neighboring Bangladesh. The process has been contentious and fraught with challenges, leading to widespread anxiety among residents.

"There is a provision for filing appeals for those excluded from the NRC, but nothing has happened so far. People continue to suffer because the appeal process has not been initiated," the petitioner's counsel told the court. This statement underscores the urgency of the situation, as many individuals and families face potential statelessness due to their exclusion from the NRC.

Taking note of the submissions, the bench issued notices to the Centre, the Assam government, and the Office of the State NRC Coordinator and tagged the matter with another pending petition raising similar issues. The Supreme Court's involvement is crucial, as it has previously overseen the NRC process and is now being called upon to ensure that the rights of those excluded are protected.

The petition seeks directions to the authorities to immediately commence the appeal process for all individuals excluded from the final NRC so that they can challenge their exclusion before the designated appellate forum. This appeal process is vital for those who believe that their exclusion was unjust and wish to present their case for reinstatement on the NRC.

In addition, the petitioner has sought directions to the authorities to issue National Identity Cards to all persons whose names were included in the final NRC, in accordance with Section 14A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, read with Rule 13 of the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003. The issuance of National Identity Cards would provide a sense of security and recognition to those who have been verified as citizens, further solidifying their status in the eyes of the law.

The final updated NRC for Assam, aimed at identifying genuine Indian citizens in the state, was published on August 31, 2019, following a Supreme Court-monitored exercise that began in 2013. The process involved extensive documentation and verification, with the goal of addressing long-standing issues related to illegal immigration and demographic changes in the region. However, it has also led to significant controversy and division among communities, particularly among those who feel that the process was not transparent or fair.

According to official data, 3,30,27,661 applicants had applied for inclusion in the NRC. Of these, 3,11,21,004 people were included in the final list, while 19,06,657 applicants were excluded. This figure represents a substantial portion of the population and has raised concerns about the implications for these individuals, many of whom may face difficulties in accessing basic rights and services without formal recognition of their citizenship.

The Supreme Court will hear the matter along with the connected petition after responses are filed by the respondents. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the individuals involved, as well as for the broader discourse on citizenship and identity in India.

Earlier, former Assam NRC State Coordinator Hitesh Dev Sarma wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah urging the Centre to withhold the publication of Census data for Assam until the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is re-verified. This call for re-verification speaks to ongoing concerns about the integrity of the NRC process and the potential for errors that could affect the lives of many residents.

In his letter, Sarma claimed the 2019 NRC supplementary list contained significant errors, alleging that many ineligible persons were included while a large number of indigenous people were left out. This assertion reflects the complex socio-political landscape in Assam, where issues of identity, ethnicity, and citizenship are deeply intertwined with historical grievances and migration patterns. The discrepancies highlighted by Sarma have led to calls for a comprehensive review of the NRC process to ensure that it accurately reflects the demographic realities of the state.

He said he had reminded the authorities about these discrepancies and filed a writ petition before the Supreme Court seeking a complete re-verification of the NRC. The demand for re-verification illustrates the continuing tensions surrounding the NRC and the need for a transparent and fair process to address the concerns of all stakeholders involved.

The Supreme Court's decision to take up this matter signifies its recognition of the urgency and importance of addressing the status of those excluded from the NRC. As the court continues to deliberate on this issue, the implications for the individuals affected and the broader implications for citizenship laws and policies in India remain significant, with the potential to shape the future of many lives in Assam and beyond.

Overall, the situation surrounding the NRC in Assam remains complex and contentious, with the Supreme Court's involvement providing a critical avenue for addressing the legal and human rights concerns raised by the petitioners. The outcome of these proceedings will undoubtedly have lasting effects on the lives of those who have been excluded from the final NRC and will contribute to the ongoing dialogue about identity, citizenship, and belonging in India.