In a landmark ruling, the Indian Supreme Court has declared Section 6A of the Citizenship Act of 1955 to be unconstitutional. Justice J.B. Pardiwala, in his dissenting opinion, stated that the open-ended nature of the section has led to increased abuse and misuse, as immigrants are now able to use forged documents to falsely claim eligibility. The judge further emphasized that the lack of a temporal limit on the section's application only adds to its counter-productivity. As a result, Justice Pardiwala has declared that the section should be declared invalid with prospective effect.
Supreme Court Invalidates Section 6A of Citizenship Act
Background
Section 6A of the Citizenship Act of 1955 allowed illegal immigrants who had been residing in India for over 10 years as of December 3, 2014, to apply for citizenship by naturalization. This provision was aimed at providing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who had established roots in India.
Landmark Ruling
In a landmark ruling on November 4, 2022, the Indian Supreme Court declared Section 6A of the Citizenship Act unconstitutional. Justice J.B. Pardiwala, in his dissenting opinion, stated the following key reasons for the decision:
Justice Pardiwala's Dissent
Justice Pardiwala dissented from the majority opinion, arguing that Section 6A should not be declared unconstitutional but instead be interpreted more narrowly to prevent abuse. He suggested that a time limit be imposed on the application of the section to ensure that only those who had resided in India for a significant period of time would be eligible for citizenship.
Implications
The invalidation of Section 6A has significant implications for illegal immigrants residing in India. It means that these individuals will no longer be able to apply for citizenship through this provision. The government may need to explore alternative pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who have been residing in India for extended periods.
FAQs
1. What is Section 6A of the Citizenship Act?
2. Why was Section 6A declared unconstitutional?
3. What are the implications of invalidating Section 6A?
4. What are the alternative pathways for citizenship for undocumented immigrants?
5. What is Justice Pardiwala's dissenting opinion?
The Indian government has accused Pakistan of using civilian flights as a cover for its recent attacks on Indian military installations. Despite India’s diversion of flights away from the international border, Pakistan did not close its airspace, putting international carriers at risk. India has also provided proof of Pakistan’s use of civilian flights for military operations, while recent reports indicate that over 100 flights were flown during intense hostilities. In response to Pakistan’s reckless actions, India has warned that any further provocation will be met with a response. Follow Operation Sindoor Live Updates for the latest developments.
The decomposed body of a woman was discovered in the rainwater drain pipe at the under-construction new terminal of the Patna airport in India. The identity of the woman, who is believed to be between 35 and 40 years old, is still unknown. The police were notified of the body's presence and have launched an investigation from all angles to determine the cause of death and the woman's identity. All workers and contractors at the site are being questioned as part of the investigation.
In a massive retaliatory action against Pakistan's continued support of terrorism, India launched Operation Sindoor and inflicted heavy losses on both Pakistani military personnel and terrorist camps along the Line of Control. The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Air Force, conducted precision operations that resulted in the elimination of over 100 terrorists, including high-value operatives responsible for past terror attacks. Despite facing resistance from Pakistani fighter aircraft, Indian forces were able to maintain complete surprise and minimal damage while achieving maximum impact.
Today, on May 12, 2025, Buddhists around the world are celebrating Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti. This significant spiritual event commemorates the birth of Gautama Buddha and his teachings of compassion, peace, and enlightenment. As a time for reflection, meditation, and acts of kindness, it is a meaningful occasion for millions to share quotes, wishes, messages, and poems with loved ones.
Amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a major BrahMos missile production unit in Lucknow on Sunday. The state-of-the-art facility, built through a joint collaboration between India and Russia, is set to produce between 80 to 100 missiles annually and will play a central role in substantially enhancing India's defence capabilities. With Uttar Pradesh emerging as a hub for defence manufacturing, the state government is aiming for further investments in the sector. This development comes in the backdrop of a ceasefire announcement between India and Pakistan, in an effort to de-escalate the recent cross-border conflict.
Explosions and Fear in Jaisalmer as India and Pakistan Continue Cross-Border Conflict Multiple Explosions and Precautions Set Off in Jaisalmer Amid India-Pakistan Conflict Both India and Pakistan on High Alert as Tensions Escalate in Border Town of Jaisalmer
The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister holds an emergency meeting to review the state's preparedness after the Indian forces strike and destroy nine terror sites in Pakistan and PoK. Flight services in Shimla are suspended and a mock drill to test the state's security and evacuation systems is conducted. The strikes targeted the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, killing key militants, including brothers-in-law of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. The chief minister also issues directives to monitor social media and avoid large gatherings, while urging the public to actively participate in the exercises.
The Indian government has announced that it will treat any future act of terror as an "act of war" and respond accordingly, amidst escalating tensions with Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level security meeting after India's retaliatory airstrikes against four Pakistani airbases. Indian defence forces successfully engaged and retaliated against Pakistan's attacks, but airbases and personnel suffered damage. India firmly rejects Pakistan's "malicious misinformation campaign" and highlighted their attempts to circulate false narratives regarding damage to critical Indian military assets.
India launched 'Operation Sindoor' targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. The strikes killed over 100 terrorists, including high-profile Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad commanders, and targeted camps linked to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and Osama bin Laden's former hideout. Among the terrorists killed was Abu Jundal, the commander of the Muridke camp, who oversaw training and operations for Lashkar-e-Taiba militants responsible for major attacks in India. The funeral for Jundal was attended by a serving Lieutenant General of the Pakistan Army and the Inspector General of Punjab Police, highlighting the presence and support of the Pakistani government for these terrorist groups.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached new heights, with the Indian Armed Forces on high alert following multiple drone intrusions and heavy shelling from the Pakistani side. In a special briefing, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed India's commitment to de-escalation, but warned of possible offensive intentions from the Pakistani military. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held a high-level meeting to discuss the situation, while the Indian Army confirmed the destruction of enemy drones and terrorist launchpads near the Line of Control.