Supreme Court Refuses to Stay Citizenship Amendment Act

Government given three weeks to respond to challenges against the law.

The Supreme Court of India refused to stay the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), giving the government until April 8 to respond to 237 petitions challenging the law.
Petitioners, including the Indian Union Muslim League and opposition leaders, have sought a pause on CAA's implementation, claiming it discriminates against the Muslim community.
Under CAA, non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan fleeing religious persecution can seek Indian citizenship, a move criticized for its timing ahead of the Lok Sabha election.
Opposition parties and critics argue that the law's implementation, delayed for four years, is designed to polarize elections, especially in West Bengal and Assam.
Home Minister Amit Shah defends the CAA as constitutional, stating it was part of the BJP's 2019 manifesto and delayed due to Covid, with no provision to take back citizens' rights.