New Delhi, India — Over two months after notifying the rules for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the Ministry of Home Affairs issued the first set of citizenship certificates under this law. On Wednesday, Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla handed over the certificates to 14 individuals, marking a significant milestone in the implementation of the CAA.
The Citizenship Amendment Act, passed by the Indian Parliament in December 2019, has been a contentious piece of legislation. The law seeks to expedite the process of granting Indian citizenship to non-Muslim immigrants — specifically Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians — who fled religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. The CAA was met with widespread protests across the country due to concerns about its exclusionary nature, which many critics argue undermines India’s secular constitution.
On March 11, the Centre notified the rules for the Citizenship Amendment Act, more than four years after it was passed. This notification paved the way for the law’s implementation, which had been delayed due to the absence of specific rules governing its execution.
“The Empowered Committee, Delhi, headed by the Director (Census Operation), Delhi, after due scrutiny, decided to grant citizenship to 14 applicants. Accordingly, the Director (Census Operation) granted certificates to these applicants,” stated a spokesperson from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
In a formal ceremony held in New Delhi, Ajay Kumar Bhalla presented the citizenship certificates to some of the applicants. He congratulated the new citizens and highlighted the key features of the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, which detail the procedures for application and verification under the CAA.
The Citizenship Amendment Bill, which led to the enactment of the CAA, was introduced with the intention of providing refuge to minorities facing religious persecution in neighboring countries. The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on December 9, 2019, followed by the Rajya Sabha on December 11, 2019. President Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent to the bill on December 12, 2019, making it an official law.
However, the CAA has faced substantial opposition from various sections of society. Critics argue that by excluding Muslims, the act violates the principles of secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The law triggered protests across the country, with demonstrators voicing concerns over its potential to marginalize Muslim communities and undermine India’s secular fabric.
Despite being enacted in 2019, the implementation of the CAA was stalled due to the delay in notifying the rules required to operationalize the law. It was only in March 2024 that these rules were finally published, enabling the process of granting citizenship under the CAA to commence.
The issuance of the first set of citizenship certificates marks a crucial step in the operationalization of the CAA. However, it also reignites the debates and controversies surrounding the law. Proponents of the CAA argue that it provides much-needed relief and a safe haven for persecuted minorities. They contend that the law addresses humanitarian concerns and fulfills India’s longstanding commitment to sheltering those in distress.
On the other hand, opponents maintain that the exclusion of Muslims is discriminatory and unconstitutional. They fear that the CAA, in conjunction with the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC), could lead to the disenfranchisement of many Muslims, creating a scenario of statelessness for those unable to prove their citizenship.
Human rights organizations and opposition parties have called for a re-evaluation of the law, urging the government to ensure that its implementation does not result in injustice or discrimination against any community. The Supreme Court of India is also hearing petitions challenging the constitutionality of the CAA, and its verdict will be crucial in determining the future course of this legislation.
The distribution of the first citizenship certificates under the CAA is a landmark event in the law’s contentious history. As the government moves forward with its implementation, it faces the challenge of addressing the concerns and apprehensions of a significant portion of the population. Ensuring a fair and transparent process, while upholding the principles of justice and equality, will be vital for the successful and equitable execution of the Citizenship Amendment Act.
For the 14 individuals who received their citizenship certificates on Wednesday, the ceremony marked the end of a long and uncertain journey. However, for the nation, the debate over the CAA and its implications is far from over. The coming months and years will be crucial in shaping the legacy of this controversial law and its impact on India’s social and political landscape.
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