1950 Expulsion Act Enforced: Assam Pushes Back 330 Illegal Immigrants
Why in News?
- The Assam government has resumed enforcement of the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, leading to the pushback of 330 individuals identified as illegal immigrants. This marks a significant move in Assam’s longstanding efforts to regulate illegal cross-border migration and protect indigenous identity.
Important Key Points:
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What the 1950 Act Enables
It empowers the government to order the removal or deportation of persons deemed harmful to Assam’s societal or cultural fabric. -
Legal Backing via SC Verdict
The Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling upheld Section 6A (Citizenship Act, 1955) and affirmed Assam’s unique status, endorsing use of the 1950 Act to complement Section 6A in detecting and deporting illegal immigrants. -
Pushback of 330 Individuals
Under renewed legal authority, Assam has overseen the return of 330 people identified as illegal immigrants, illustrating active enforcement of decades-old immigration laws. -
Persistent Administrative Gaps
Despite strong legal instruments, enforcement has lagged due to weak tribunal capacity, poor inter-state coordination, and under-resourced registries and detention facilities. -
Broader Significance
This initiative is a key step toward fulfilling the goals of the Assam Accord and eliminating settlements beyond the 1971 cut-off. However, sustained enforcement, infrastructure development (tribunals/detention camps), and regional coordination remain essential to lasting impact.
