The Indian government is expected to notify the implementation rules for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) within the next couple of weeks, according to a recent report. The CAA, passed by the Indian Parliament in December 2019, provides a pathway to citizenship for persecuted religious minorities from neighbouring Muslim-majority countries who migrated to India before 2014. However, it has sparked widespread protests for excluding Muslims.According to government sources, the rules will be notified before the Model Code of Conduct comes into effect ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This would allow the government to begin implementing the law.The rules are expected to outline the evidence required for citizenship applicants to prove their eligibility under the CAA. However, evidence of religious persecution may not be sought, as migrants are presumed to have fled persecution. Critics argue the CAA undermines Indias secular constitution by excluding Muslims. But the government defends it as a humanitarian measure to protect persecuted minorities. Home Minister Amit Shah said recently the law would be implemented before elections, calling it a promise of past Congress governments. But Congress now opposes the law for excluding Muslims.The CAAs enactment in December 2019 sparked nationwide protests. But it has not yet been implemented as rules were not notified. The upcoming notification will pave the way for implementation before polls.Key stakeholders are watching closely how the government will balance CAA implementation with concerns over Indias secular image. The notified rules will provide important details on the path forward.
