List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “Culture and society: The Hindu Editorial on upholding Section 6A of the Citizenship Act”

List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “Culture and society: The Hindu Editorial on upholding Section 6A of the Citizenship Act”

The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, which accords citizenship to those who entered Assam on or before March 24, 1971, following the 1985 Assam Accord, marks a significant moment. The verdict recognizes the historical compromise embodied in Section 6A that sought to provide a middle ground between the humanitarian concerns of those fleeing persecution and the need to protect Assam’s distinct cultural identity. The Court ruled against the argument that Section 6A was unconstitutional and instead acknowledged its necessity to ensure both legal protection for immigrants and cultural preservation for locals.

Rejecting the argument that Section 6A undermines the Constitution, Justice Surya Kant highlighted the demographic anxiety faced by the petitioners. However, he emphasized that such fears should not turn the clock back on the agreed-upon process for citizenship that aligns with the Assam Accord. The Court was cautious not to open the floodgates to a series of similar claims based solely on demographic change, which could affect inter-state migration policies across India.

The National Register of Citizens (NRC) for Assam, which was updated in 2019, left 19 lakh people in limbo, having identified them as non-citizens. The fate of these individuals now depends on further proceedings, but the Court’s verdict ensures that Section 6A remains the legal foundation for determining citizenship in Assam.

1.  Turn the clock back

• Meaning: To return to a previous state or situation, often implying regression.
• Example: "Striking down Section 6A would have turned the clock back on the citizenship process in Assam."

2.  Middle ground

• Meaning: A compromise or a solution that addresses two opposing viewpoints.
• Example: "Section 6A was aimed at finding a middle ground between humanitarian concerns and the protection of local cultural rights."

3.  Demographic anxiety

• Meaning: Fear or concern about changes in the population structure, often due to migration.
• Example: "Justice Surya Kant acknowledged the petitioners’ demographic anxiety but emphasized the need for fraternity."

4.  Open the floodgates

• Meaning: To create an opportunity for many similar events or challenges to occur.
• Example: "Accepting the argument about demographic change could open the floodgates for similar challenges to inter-state migration."

5.  In limbo

• Meaning: In an uncertain or unresolved state.
• Example: "The National Register of Citizens for Assam is currently in limbo, with no further developments after 19 lakh people were identified as non-citizens."