CAA rules may violate Indian Constitution: US report

Hash#ag Bureau 2 May2024

A report released by an independent research division of the US Congress has suggested that certain aspects of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), enacted by the Modi government earlier this year, could potentially contravene the Indian Constitution. The CAA, which amends the Citizenship Act of 1955, came into effect in March 2024, approximately four years after receiving approval from the Indian Parliament. It aims to facilitate Indian citizenship for undocumented non-Muslim migrants who

The CRS report highlights that specific aspects of the CAA, which confer citizenship to immigrants from six religious groups originating from three countries while excluding Muslims, contravene certain articles of the Indian Constitution.

The report raises concerns that the CAA, combined with the National Register of Citizens (NRC), could jeopardize the rights of India’s Muslim population. The report said those opposing the CAA are wary of the ruling BJP because it is “pursuing a Hindu majoritarian, anti-Muslim agenda that threatens India’s status as an officially secular republic.” CAA and NRC are a violation of international human rights norms and obligations.”

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) functions as an autonomous research body within the US Congress, providing analysis to aid in decision-making. However, its reports do not represent the official stance of the US Congress. Previously, the Biden administration had voiced apprehension regarding the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act in India, affirming its vigilant observation of the implementation of this contentious legislation.