
The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially announced the notification of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Monday, March 11. Earlier in the day, sources within the Union Home Ministry had indicated that the long-awaited rules for the CAA would be released later in the day. This decision carries significant implications for citizenship norms throughout the nation.
Enacted in December 2019 and enforced on January 10, 2020, the CAA has been the subject of intense debate and protests. Since its introduction, the legislation has faced substantial opposition, with critics labeling it discriminatory and calling for its repeal. Particularly, the Muslim community, along with various opposition factions, has strongly opposed the law, expressing concerns about its impact on secularism and minority rights. The anticipated notification of the CAA Rules marks an important step towards addressing these concerns and providing clarity on the citizenship framework outlined in the Act.
One noteworthy aspect of the CAA Rules is the exploration of an online system for citizenship application, processing, and approval. The absence of these regulations has hindered the full implementation of the Act, resulting in delays since its enactment. The prolonged delay in issuing the rules has been a contentious issue, contributing to the ongoing non-implementation of the legislation. The controversy surrounding the enactment of the CAA sparked widespread protests, particularly from the Muslim community and various opposition parties.