The AIMIM president, Asaduddin Owaisi, has approached the Supreme Court seeking a suspension of the Citizenship Amendment Rules until the court decides on the petitions challenging the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. Owaisi, among other petitioners, urges a directive to halt the Act and the rules, highlighting concerns about its impact and legality.
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) aims to grant citizenship to religious minorities from neighboring countries who have settled in India and lack proper documentation. It introduced religion as a criteria for Indian citizenship for the first time, sparking nationwide protests and criticism for discriminating against Muslims. The act is set to come into effect soon, despite ongoing controversy.
On 17 Feb 2024, Delhi’s Karkardooma Courts rejected bail for Sharjeel Imam, a prominent figure in the Anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests. Despite serving four years, the court refused his plea due to the cumulative nature of his charges, marking a pivotal moment in legal interpretation and setting a precedent for similar cases. This decision fuels the ongoing debate on national security versus individual rights.