SC: Panchayat certificates ok for citizenship

In an important order, the Supreme Court said on Tuesday that certificates issued by panchayat secretaries or executive magistrates can be used for claiming citizenship if they have been issued after conducting proper enquiry.

A bench comprising Justices Ranjan Gogoi and RF Nariman set aside the Gauhati High Court order which invalidated these certificates for claiming citizenship.

It also said that the certificates issued by gram panchayat secretary can be a proof of citizenship provided they have details of family linkages.

On November 22, the top court had said that the certificate of residency issued by the gram panchayat was not a document of citizenship and was 'meaningless' unless supported by some other valid record to make a claim for inclusion in the National Register of Citizenship (NRC).

The apex court was hearing a batch of pleas challenging the Gauhati High Court order.

About 48 lakh people claimed their citizenship using certificates issued by gram panchayat secretaries, out of a total of 3.29 crore claims made so far for inclusion in the NRC which is being prepared in Assam to identify illegal migrants.

A few days ago, the court had refused to allow more time for completing the draft NRC and had said it was required to be published on or before December 31.

PROVING CITIZENSHIP

• A total of 3.29 crore people have made claims so far to register their names as valid citizens in the National Register of Citizenship.
   
• Of the total number, around 48 lakh people claimed citizenship using certificates issued by gram panchayat secretaries.