MHA invites non-Muslims applicants from 5 states for citizenship; CAA rules not framed yet

In a surprise move, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday, invited Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists belonging to Afghanistan, Banglesh and Pakistan and residing in 13 districts in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Punjab to apply for Indian citizenship under Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). While rules of CAA enacted in 2019 are yet to be framed, MHA  issued a tification for immediate implementation of order under Citizenship Act 1955 and Rules framed under law in 2009. contentious CAA which has been in effect since January 2020, h triggered massive protests across country, culminating in Delhi riots in January 2020 which killed 53 people.

MHA invites CAA applications

"In exercise of powers conferred under Section 16 of Citizenship Act, 1955 (57 of 1955), central government hereby directs that powers exercisable by it for registration as citizen of India under Section 5, or for grant of certificate of naturalisation under section 6 of Citizenship Act 1955 in respect of any person belonging to mirity community in Afghanistan, Banglesh and Pakistan namely, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians, residing in districts mentioned and states mentioned below," home ministry tification said.

In February, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai informed Lok Sabha that rules for Citizenship (Amendment) Act were being framed. Rai informed that Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have granted an extension of time up to April 9 and July 9, respectively to frame se rules. Recently, Home Minister Amit Shah h said rules of CAA are yet to be framed and law will be acted upon after COVID vaccination is completed.

What is CAA?

Citizenship (Amendment) Act amends previous Citizenship Act 1955 to make refugees who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Banglesh and Pakistan, eligible for citizenship.  Moreover, Bill exempts inner line permit areas in Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Presh and areas falling under Sixth Schedule in regions. It will be applicable to members of se communities having arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014. Supreme Court is yet to hear 150 pleas challenging Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), after it refused to stay its implementation.

(With PTI inputs)