The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019, along with its associated rules, has been officially enforced, marking a significant development in India’s legal landscape. Aimed at providing citizenship to specific religious minorities from neighboring countries, the law has sparked widespread debate and is currently facing legal scrutiny before the Supreme Court of India.
Key provisions of the CAA include granting citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Parsis who migrated to India from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan on or before December 31, 2014. Notably, the law specifies religious categories eligible for citizenship, thereby amending previous legislation.
The notified Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 shed light on the application process for individuals seeking citizenship under the CAA. Rule 10A delineates eligibility criteria for registration or naturalization, encompassing various scenarios such as persons of Indian origin, spouses of Indian citizens, minor children of Indian citizens, and more. Applicants must fulfill specific conditions outlined in the rules, including submitting affidavits verifying their application details and obtaining testimonials from Indian citizens regarding their character.
Moreover, individuals seeking citizenship through naturalization are required to demonstrate proficiency in one of the languages specified in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Additionally, they must irrevocably renounce any other citizenship and pledge not to claim it in the future.
Rule 11A outlines the application process, emphasizing electronic submission to the Empowered Committee through district-level committees as designated by the Central government. These committees verify documents, administer oaths of allegiance, and forward applications to the Empowered Committee for further processing.
The composition of these committees is meticulously detailed, with specific roles assigned to various officials and stakeholders. The Empowered Committee holds the authority to grant citizenship upon scrutinizing applications and ensuring compliance with requisite conditions.
Upon approval, individuals receive registration or naturalization certificates, signifying their newly acquired citizenship. The Empowered Committee maintains a register of registered and naturalized citizens, facilitating transparency and accessibility for relevant authorities.
In essence, the Citizenship Amendment Act and its accompanying rules constitute a significant legal framework governing citizenship acquisition in India. Understanding the intricacies of these provisions is crucial for individuals navigating the citizenship application process.
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