From Bill to Reality: Citizenship Law CAA Enacted After Four Years
Introduction to Indian Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 The Citizenship Amendment Bill was presented to Parliament on July 15, 2016, proposing amendments to the Citizenship Act, of 1955. On December 11, 2019, the Rajya Sabha approved the Bill with 125 votes in favor and 99 against. This marked the first instance of citizenship being granted on religious grounds to six communities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. Shortly after, then President Ram Nath Kovind endorsed the Bill, enacting it into law. Implemented by the Indian government, this law aimed to modify the country's citizenship regulations. Its primary objective was to simplify the citizenship acquisition process for minority communities from neighboring nations, with Muslims notably excluded. The enactment of this legislation in 2019 sparked widespread protests and debates regarding its implications for the nation's secular principles. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) of 2019 has sparked significant debat...