The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a recently enacted law, has come into effect nationwide. This legislation aims to expedite the process of granting Indian citizenship to specific minority groups facing religious persecution in neighbouring countries.
The CAA is a central law, and on February 10, 2024, the central government officially notified the CAA rules, bringing the Act into effect across India. CAA officially came into effect on March 11, 2024.
What is the CAA?
The CAA grants a faster path to citizenship for individuals belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi, and Christian communities who entered India from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan before December 31st, 2014. These individuals must demonstrate that they faced religious persecution in their home countries.
The CAA is a central law that applies throughout India. However, certain exemptions exist:
North-Eastern States: Areas under the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur are not subject to the CAA.
Tribal Areas: Specific tribal areas governed by the Sixth Schedule provisions in Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura are also exempt.
Reactions to the Citizenship Amendment Act:
The implementation of the CAA has evoked mixed reactions.
Supporters: The government and its allies view the CAA as a necessary step to protect persecuted minorities.
Opponents: Critics argue that the Act discriminates against Muslims seeking asylum, raising concerns about its constitutionality. Several states have expressed reservations about the CAA, and the Supreme Court is currently examining its legality.