The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has asked for a six-month extension to frame rules under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).CAA was passed by both houses of parliament in the late months of 2019. The highly contentious law – which led to nationwide protests at the time, going on for several months until they were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic – has been touted as anti-Muslim and unconstitutional by activists and politicians alike.
Under the CAA, non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, are eligible for fast-track Indian citizenship. However, proper framing of the rules is essential for the Act to be implemented.
Rules are mandatory for implementing any new or amended law and are normally framed within six months of its enactment. This marks the fifth time in which the Union home ministry is asking for an extension on framing the CAA rules. Before this, on January 9, 2022, the Union government sought a 3-month extension, justifying the delay in implementation by citing the COVID-19 pandemic. This time, the Union ministry has asked for time till October 9, 2022.
In May 2021, the Centre allowed Hindus, Jains, Christians, Parsis, Buddhists, and Sikhs from these three countries and who are residing in certain 13 districts of the country to apply for the host country’s citizenship. However, the applications were invited under the Citizenship Act of 1955 since the rules pertaining to the amended Act are yet to be decided.
While BJP leaders – including current party chief J.P. Nadda and Current Union home minister Amit Shah – have said over the last more than two years that the party is committed to implementing the CAA as soon as possible, the consistent delays in the rules being framed cast doubts on whether their statements hold any ground or not.
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