NUR JAHAN BEGUM vs UNION OF INDIA

The Supreme Court interpreted Clause 3(3) of the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issues of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, clarifying that it provides a distinct and less stringent process for identifying 'originally inhabitants of the State of Assam' for inclusion in the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The Court held that this clause constitutes an exception to the general procedures outlined in Clause 3(2), emphasizing that the identification process must ascertain citizenship beyond reasonable doubt. The judgment underscores the importance of procedural fairness in the NRC preparation process.