BRELITHA MARAK 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 emphasized that this clause serves as an exception to the more rigorous identification process outlined in Clause 3(2). The ruling establishes that the identification process must ascertain citizenship beyond reasonable doubt, particularly for those claiming to be originally from Assam.