SC to hear around 60 petitions on amended citizenship law today

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (December 18) will hear more than 60 petitions filed against the new citizenship law passed by the central government recently. The petitioners include several politicians like Mahua Moitra, Jairam Ramesh and Asaduddin Owaisi, and political outfits like Asom Gana Parishad and Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam.

Activists Harsh Mander, Aruna Roy and Nikhil Dey, historian Irfan Habib and economist Prabhat Patnaik have also moved the apex court challenging the constitutional validity of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

“Granting citizenship on the basis of religion goes against the grain of our Constitution. Religious pluralism and secularism have been the foundation of our country since Independence,” the petitioners have been quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

The petitioners allege the Act violates Article 21 of the Constitution as it goes against the right to dignity of individuals who are not covered under the special dispensation of the amended act, solely because they belong to a particular religious community, reports said.

Also Read: Madras University closed till Dec 23 due to anti-Citizenship Act stir

Wednesday marks the last working day of the Supreme Court before it closes for winter vacation till Jan 1.

Ever since the new law was passed, India has witnessed massive protests across its states. Students across the nation have come together to protest against CAA.

The government has, meanwhile, said there is no question of going back on the implementation of the new act.

“Come what may, the Modi government is firm that it will ensure these refugees get Indian citizenship and live as Indians with honour,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah had recently said when asked if CAA would be rolled back.

(With inputs from agencies.)