India witnessed the operationalization of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Monday, marking the culmination of a legislative process that began over four years ago in December 2019.
The journey of the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) from its parliamentary approval to becoming the CAA, following the President's endorsement, has been marked by widespread public discourse and demonstrations.
Here's a brief overview of the key milestones:
- December 11, 2019: The CAB clears the parliamentary hurdle and, with the President's subsequent approval, transforms into the CAA.
- December 15, 2019: Tensions escalate as confrontations between students and police erupt at Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia University, leading to the commencement of the Shaheen Bagh sit-in protest and similar demonstrations nationwide.
- December 2019-January 2020: Legal challenges against the CAA are lodged with the Supreme Court.
- January 30, 2020: Violence mars a student protest outside Jamia, resulting in injuries.
- February 23, 2020: Communal unrest flares up in northeast Delhi.
- March 24, 2020: Amidst the onset of a national lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Delhi Police disperse the Shaheen Bagh protesters.
- December 27, 2023: Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirms the government's dedication to enacting the CAA.
- February 28, 2024: Anticipation builds as reports suggest the imminent notification of CAA rules before the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April-May.
- March 28, 2024: The official notification of the CAA rules is released.
The notification of the CAA rules has elicited varied reactions, with BJP leaders commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, while opposition figures scrutinize the government's decision. The implementation of these rules represents a significant development in India's legislative landscape.
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