The Supreme Court of India recently addressed a series of petitions challenging the implementation of the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The Court summoned the government to respond to the petitions, reflecting the gravity of the concerns raised by various stakeholders.
During the proceedings, the government representative requested additional time to prepare a response to the pleas. Consequently, the Court adjourned the next hearing to April 9, allowing until April 8 for the government to submit its response.
A significant number of 237 petitions have been filed against the CAA, with petitioners arguing that the legislation discriminates against Muslims based on religious grounds, thereby infringing upon the “right to equality” guaranteed under Article 14 of the Constitution.
Noteworthy among the petitioners are the Indian Union Kerala Muslim League, Trinamool Congress leader Mahva Moitra, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, and All India Majlis Ittehad Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi, among others.
The Citizenship Amendment Act, passed in 2019, has stirred widespread debate as it seeks to grant Indian citizenship to Hindus and other minority groups from neighboring countries, including Pakistan. This move has prompted legal challenges and sparked discussions about its implications for religious freedom and constitutional principles in India.
