By Muslim Mirror Network
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is expected to notify the rules for the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) within the next couple of weeks, reported The Indian Express. These rules will be put in place before the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into effect, which typically happens when election dates are announced, according to the report.
The rules will outline the evidence required for applicants to prove their eligibility for citizenship under the CAA.
The CAA amends the Citizenship Act of 1955 to provide a path to Indian citizenship for Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis who migrated from neighbouring Muslim-majority countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan before December 31, 2014.
The enactment of the CAA sparked a massive controversy and widespread protests across India, with critics arguing that it discriminates against Muslims and undermines the secular principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The government, on the other hand, defended the law as a humanitarian measure aimed at protecting persecuted religious minorities from neighbouring countries.
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) are expected to be officially notified before the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections. The notification process is anticipated to occur in advance of the electoral schedule. The CAA has been a contentious issue, sparking debates and protests since its introduction. The government’s decision to notify the rules before the upcoming elections could potentially influence the political landscape, with the CAA being a significant and polarizing policy. The report does not provide specific details about the content of the rules but emphasizes the timing of their notification. As the Lok Sabha elections hold considerable importance, the CAA and its associated rules may become a central point of discussion and contention during the political campaigning leading up to the polls. ( with Agency Inputs)