SAFIYA BEGUM Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. A Matlib, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr. D Baruah, learned Standing Council, Election Commission of India. Also heard Ms. MD Bora, learned Government Advocate, Assam and Ms. U Das, learned counsel appearing for the State Coordinator, National Register of Citizens (NRC).

(2.) By filing this petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, petitioner seeks a direction to the respondents to remove the tag of doubtful (D) voter against her name in the electoral roll or in the alternative, to make reference to the Foreigners Tribunal to finally determine her nationality status.

(3.) Grievance of the petitioner is that she is a resident of Messamara Tea Estate in the district of Golaghat following her marriage. She was marked as doubtful (D) voter in the year 1997. Since then, no consequential steps have been taken. As a result, citizenship status of the petitioner has remained in a state of uncertainty for more than 20 years now.