Centre writes to panel seeking more time to frame CAA rules

The Centre has sought a further extension from Parliament for the framing of rules for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), officials said. Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, through committees on subordinate legislation, are likely to grant an adjournment on the Union home ministry’s request, ET has learnt. It may be recalled that CAA was part of the BJP’s elections manifesto at the recently-concluded assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam.

According to MHA officials, the Committees on Subordinate Legislation, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, had earlier granted time up to April 9, 2021, and July 9, 2021, respectively to frame the CAA rules. However, this was delayed due to Covid-19.

“The MHA has written to the committee for extension of deadline citing the Covid-19 situation in the country,” said a senior MHA official, adding that they are still awaiting a response from the panel. Home Minister Amit Shah had said last year that the rules will be framed once the vaccination drive is completed. CAA provides citizenship to minorities from six communities including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians, from neighbouring Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. People from these communities, who had come to India till December 31, 2014, due to religious persecution, will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship, as per the amended Act.


The law was passed by Parliament in December 2019 and was notified on January 10, 2020. Officials said the CAA rules are mandatory for the implementation of the new and amended law and normally framed within six months of its enactment. After the CAA was passed, there were protests in different parts of the country, including Assam and Bengal, leading to the deaths of nearly 100 people in police firing and violence. The riots in Northeast Delhi in February last year were also attributed to the CAA protests which initially triggered clashes between pro and anti-CAA groups.

Those opposing the CAA contend that it discriminates people on the basis of religion and is in violation of the Constitution. They allege that the CAA, along with the National Register of Citizens (NRC), is intended to target the Muslim community in India. The government however clarified that there is no plan to hold a nationwide NRC as of now.