ASSAM STATE JAMIAT ULEMA 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 identification process outlined in Clause 3(2), emphasizing the need for a reasonable doubt standard in ascertaining citizenship. The judgment underscores the importance of procedural fairness in the identification process for NRC inclusion.