THE HINDU DATED 10TH DECEMBER 2025

Summary of Important News Items and Editorials-39

THE HINDU DATED 10TH DECEMBER 2025.

1. Citizenship under CAA Only After Verification: Supreme Court’s Stand

The Supreme Court clarified that citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 is not automatic and will be granted only after strict individual scrutiny. The Court held that though CAA creates “enforceable rights” for persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, each applicant must satisfy statutory conditions such as proof of religion, persecution, entry date, and residence. The petition raised fears that refugees might become stateless during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Court acknowledged the anxiety but underlined that representation in electoral rolls is only possible after lawful naturalisation. The logic of the judgment reinforces the balance between humanitarian inclusion and procedural sovereignty. Editorially, the ruling strengthens constitutional due process while preventing blanket claims of citizenship. It also signals that executive delays in issuing certificates could create rights-based litigation in the future.

2. EC’s ‘Mechanical’ Replies on SIR: Judicial Accountability vs Bureaucratic Formalism