The world is watching violent scenes playing out in India and the reaction is not favourable. Many countries have raised concerns over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) while a UN agency calls it 'fundamentally discriminatory'.

On WION Edit, we discuss the implications of the debate and the protests.

The biggest culprit is politics. When you politicise NRC to win an election without consulting the stakeholders, you're asking for trouble.

The NRC exercise is a sensitive one, politics must have been kept out of it. Second, such decisions cannot be imposed. they impact lives.

The protests are proof that the indigenous people in these states were not consulted properly.

When decisions like the amendment in Citizenship Law are taken without consensus, they lead to chaos. Assam has already seen it in the late 70s and early 80s.

And then the Assam accord was signed. Now 34 years later, there are protests again. This exposes the fault lines in Indian politics.

Meanwhile, it is a constitutionally valid right to protest. Dissent, civil disobedience and protests - these are the bedrocks on which Indian democracy was founded and built.

But the protest has a limit and protesters have a responsibility, they cannot and should not resort to violence.

The moment you do that, you are on the wrong side of law and must face action.

Protesters must know they run the risk of being used as proxies by vested interests. Such interests can be political, they can be foreign as well.

Case in point-- the Jamia Millia University protests in Delhi.

The students were protesting the Citizenship Amendment Act and they have every right to do so. But when buses are burnt and public order is disrupted, then the police will step in - it's their job.

Did the police overstep? Did they use more force than was needed? why did they fire teargas in a college library? These are questions that must be thoroughly probed.

The Citizenship Amendment Act and the NRC are serious nuanced issues. They shouldn't be reduced to the police versus protesters situation.&nbsp;

The government that passes acts without due consultation, an opposition that wants to politicise 'sensitive' matters, trigger-happy leaders from all parties - ever too ready to stir the pot with 'volatile' comments, and a country whose economic growth is slipping - this is not a good combination.

Left unchecked, these protests could precipitate India's journey to doom. It's time for the government to be open - to listen to the protesters. It's also time for the courts to step in and take stern, quick decisions.

India's growth story was founded on peace, diversity and co-existence. All the stakeholders, and that includes the public, should keep their emotions in check.&nbsp;

Those who damage public property in the name of protests must be identified and booked. Those who use excessive force in uniform - must also face the music.

The first priority must be restoring public order. Because without peace, there can be no debate, no forward movement.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)&nbsp;

The world is watching violent scenes playing out in India and the reaction is not favourable. Many countries have raised concerns over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) while a UN agency calls it 'fundamentally discriminatory'.

The world is watching violent scenes playing out in India and the reaction is not favourable. Many countries have raised concerns over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) while a UN agency calls it 'fundamentally discriminatory'. On WION Edit, we discuss the implications of the debate and the protests. The biggest culprit is politics. When you politicise NRC to win an election without consulting the stakeholders, you're asking for trouble. The NRC exercise is a sensitive one, politics must have been kept out of it. Second, such decisions cannot be imposed. they impact lives. The protests are proof that the indigenous people in these states were not consulted properly. When decisions like the amendment in Citizenship Law are taken without consensus, they lead to chaos. Assam has already seen it in the late 70s and early 80s. And then the Assam accord was signed. Now 34 years later, there are protests again. This exposes the fault lines in Indian politics. Meanwhile, it is a constitutionally valid right to protest. Dissent, civil disobedience and protests - these are the bedrocks on which Indian democracy was founded and built. But the protest has a limit and protesters have a responsibility, they cannot and should not resort to violence. The moment you do that, you are on the wrong side of law and must face action. Protesters must know they run the risk of being used as proxies by vested interests. Such interests can be political, they can be foreign as well. Case in point-- the Jamia Millia University protests in Delhi. The students were protesting the Citizenship Amendment Act and they have every right to do so. But when buses are burnt and public order is disrupted, then the police will step in - it's their job. Did the police overstep? Did they use more force than was needed? why did they fire teargas in a college library? These are questions that must be thoroughly probed. The Citizenship Amendment Act and the NRC are serious nuanced issues. They shouldn't be reduced to the police versus protesters situation. The government that passes acts without due consultation, an opposition that wants to politicise 'sensitive' matters, trigger-happy leaders from all parties - ever too ready to stir the pot with 'volatile' comments, and a country whose economic growth is slipping - this is not a good combination. Left unchecked, these protests could precipitate India's journey to doom. It's time for the government to be open - to listen to the protesters. It's also time for the courts to step in and take stern, quick decisions. India's growth story was founded on peace, diversity and co-existence. All the stakeholders, and that includes the public, should keep their emotions in check. Those who damage public property in the name of protests must be identified and booked. Those who use excessive force in uniform - must also face the music. The first priority must be restoring public order. Because without peace, there can be no debate, no forward movement. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Without peace, there can be no debate

Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt joined a protest against the amended Citizenship Act at Dr. B R Ambedkar's abode in Mumbai. As a part of the protest meet, the Preamble of the Indian Constitution was read out by those present. 
 
The veteran filmmaker shared a picture of him and other protesters at the Rajgruha-abode of Dr. B R Ambedkar on Twitter."We the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC. &nbsp;At Ambedkar's abode. After reading the Preamble of our Constitution," Bhatt tweeted along with the picture.&nbsp;

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We the people of India , having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC.( At Ambedkar’s abode . After reading the Preamble of our Constitution.) ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShashiTharoor</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/JhaSanjay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JhaSanjay</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/mathewmantony?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mathewmantony</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/OsFoagg3PI">pic.twitter.com/OsFoagg3PI</a>
— Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaheshNBhatt/status/1206127645286486017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill which grants citizenship to the non-Muslims who arrived in India before December 31, 2014, smoothly sailed through both the houses of the Parliament and became an act after President, Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent to the bill on Thursday.&nbsp;

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“If you have no love - do what you will. Go after all the Gods on earth, do all the social activities, try to reform the poor, enter politics, write books, poems- you are a dead human being. Without love your problems willl increase, multiply endlessly.” 
- J. Krishnamurti <a href="https://t.co/a6Ec6YnLDj">pic.twitter.com/a6Ec6YnLDj</a>
— Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaheshNBhatt/status/1206436279153348608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The country is currently witnessing protests in north-east, West Bengal and Delhi against CAA.

Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt joined a protest against the amended Citizenship Act at Dr. B R Ambedkar's abode in Mumbai. As a part of the protest meet, the Preamble of the Indian Constitution was read out by those present.

Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt joined a protest against the amended Citizenship Act at Dr. B R Ambedkar's abode in Mumbai. As a part of the protest meet, the Preamble of the Indian Constitution was read out by those present. The veteran filmmaker shared a picture of him and other protesters at the Rajgruha-abode of Dr. B R Ambedkar on Twitter."We the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC. At Ambedkar's abode. After reading the Preamble of our Constitution," Bhatt tweeted along with the picture. We the people of India , having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC.( At Ambedkar’s abode . After reading the Preamble of our Constitution.) ⁦@ShashiTharoor⁩ ⁦@JhaSanjay⁩ ⁦@mathewmantony⁩ pic.twitter.com/OsFoagg3PI — Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) December 15, 2019 × The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill which grants citizenship to the non-Muslims who arrived in India before December 31, 2014, smoothly sailed through both the houses of the Parliament and became an act after President, Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent to the bill on Thursday. “If you have no love - do what you will. Go after all the Gods on earth, do all the social activities, try to reform the poor, enter politics, write books, poems- you are a dead human being. Without love your problems willl increase, multiply endlessly.” - J. Krishnamurti pic.twitter.com/a6Ec6YnLDj — Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) December 16, 2019 × The country is currently witnessing protests in north-east, West Bengal and Delhi against CAA.

Mahesh Bhatt joins protest against Citizenship Amendment Act in Mumbai

Jamia Millia Islamia University students, who were detained following a protest against Citizenship Amendment Act, have been released from Kalkaji and New Friends Colony (NFC) police stations on Monday, news agency ANI reported quoting Delhi Police.

Jamia Millia Islamia University students, who were detained following a protest against Citizenship Amendment Act, have been released from Kalkaji and New Friends Colony (NFC) police stations on Monday, news agency ANI reported quoting Delhi Police. The midnight protests carried out by students in front of Delhi Police Headquarters was also called off by the students. "All students detained from Kalkaji and New Friends Colony have been released," said Delhi Police PRO MS Randhawa. "Delhi police appealed the protesters to end their protest buses have also been arranged to drop the protestors. Injured students will also be released after treatment said Delhi Police in a statement," a statement released by the Delhi Police said. The students of Jamia Millia Islamia and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) had staged a protest at the police headquarters earlier on Sunday after the action by Delhi Police against students at Jamia University.

Protest against citizenship law: Detained Jamia university students released

Watch in WION Dispatch: SC to probe police action at JMI University. Watch this video as WION's Principle Diplomatic Siddhant Sibbal, WION's Correspondent Nishita & WION's Political Editor Kartikeya Sharma tells you more on this. #WIONDispatch #WION

WION Dispatch: SC to probe police action at JMI University

The Apex Court will hear petitions over Citizenship Amendment Bill on December 18. #CAA #SupremeCourt

Anti-CAA protest: Apex court to hear petitions on December 18

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted on the unrest and protests taking place in different Indian states since CAA came in existence. Citizenship Amendment Act continues to fuel public anger, Unrest continues among the whole country. Students of different states' Universities continues to protest against the CAA. #CAA

PM Modi uses twitter to react on the protest in India over CAA

Anti-Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 protests: 10 things you need to know

The Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia Univesity Najma Akhtar on Monday said that they will be approaching the police to file an FIR into Sunday's violence.

''You can rebuild the property but you cannot compensate for the things the students went through. We demand a high-level inquiry. We will file an FIR against the entry of Police on our university campus,'' she said.

Akhtar was briefing the media over yesterday's incident.

She further said that there has been a lot of property damage in the University and there has been an emotional loss as well. Yesterday's incident was unfortunate. I appeal to everyone to not believe in any kind of rumours,'' she further said.

The vice-chancellor also strongly denied the rumour that two students have died following the incident.

''We deny this totally, none of our students died. About 200 people were injured of which many were our students,'' she said. &nbsp;

The Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia Univesity Najma Akhtar on Monday said that they will be approaching the police to file an FIR into Sunday's violence.

The Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia Univesity Najma Akhtar on Monday said that they will be approaching the police to file an FIR into Sunday's violence. ''You can rebuild the property but you cannot compensate for the things the students went through. We demand a high-level inquiry. We will file an FIR against the entry of Police on our university campus,'' she said. Akhtar was briefing the media over yesterday's incident. She further said that there has been a lot of property damage in the University and there has been an emotional loss as well. Yesterday's incident was unfortunate. I appeal to everyone to not believe in any kind of rumours,'' she further said. The vice-chancellor also strongly denied the rumour that two students have died following the incident. ''We deny this totally, none of our students died. About 200 people were injured of which many were our students,'' she said.

Jamia University to approach police to file FIR into Sunday's violence

Citizenship Amendment Act continues to fuel public anger and protest in India. Unrest still continues among the whole country. Students of different states' Universities continues to protest against the CAA. #CAA

CAA continues to fuel public anger, Unrest continues among the whole country

Protests against CAA has entered it's 5th day, buses set on fire in South Delhi. Protest is taking place almost among all cities of the country. #CAAProtests #CAA

Protests against CAA entered it's 5th day, buses set on fire in South Delhi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/every-indian-is-obliged-to-abide-by-law-west-bengal-governor-on-citizenship-amendment-act-268306">West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar</a> on Sunday said that he hopes that West Bengal Chief Minister at least withdraws advertisements against Citizenship Amendment Act implementation in the state.&nbsp;

"I am sure the CM will at least withdraw advertisements (ads by West Bengal government stating the Citizenship Amendment Act and NRC will not be implemented in the state), they are unconstitutional and it is criminal use of public funds," he told media today.&nbsp;

He also urged the people of the state to help those in distress.&nbsp;

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West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar: I am sure the CM will at least withdraw advertisements (ads by West Bengal government stating <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CitizenshipAmendmentAct?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CitizenshipAmendmentAct</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NRC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NRC</a> will not be implemented in the state), they are unconstitutional and it is criminal use of public funds. <a href="https://t.co/Br00awM050">https://t.co/Br00awM050</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1206190722224803841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I appeal to the people of the state, to do everything they can do to lend a helping hand to people in distress and to maintain peace," he said.&nbsp;

Dhankhar on Saturday said if the Parliament has passed a law, then every Indian is obliged to follow it.

Speaking to media regarding Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dhankhar said, "If the Parliament in its wisdom has given us a law, which is the rule of the land, everyone particularly those like me and others who hold Constitutional positions has to believe in it. Every Indian is obliged to believe in the law laid down by the Indian Parliament."

"This law is applicable all over the country. I can't say I will not go by it. No one else can say it. If anyone has taken oath under the Constitution, he can't say it will be challenged," he said.

"I appeal to everyone, please don't politicise the issue. It is an issue which means the rule of law. Society and democracy can survive and prosper only if we believe in the rule of law," the Governor said.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar on Sunday said that he hopes that West Bengal Chief Minister at least withdraws advertisements against Citizenship Amendment Act implementation in the state.

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar on Sunday said that he hopes that West Bengal Chief Minister at least withdraws advertisements against Citizenship Amendment Act implementation in the state. "I am sure the CM will at least withdraw advertisements (ads by West Bengal government stating the Citizenship Amendment Act and NRC will not be implemented in the state), they are unconstitutional and it is criminal use of public funds," he told media today. He also urged the people of the state to help those in distress. West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar: I am sure the CM will at least withdraw advertisements (ads by West Bengal government stating #CitizenshipAmendmentAct & #NRC will not be implemented in the state), they are unconstitutional and it is criminal use of public funds. https://t.co/Br00awM050 — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2019 × "I appeal to the people of the state, to do everything they can do to lend a helping hand to people in distress and to maintain peace," he said. Dhankhar on Saturday said if the Parliament has passed a law, then every Indian is obliged to follow it. Speaking to media regarding Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dhankhar said, "If the Parliament in its wisdom has given us a law, which is the rule of the land, everyone particularly those like me and others who hold Constitutional positions has to believe in it. Every Indian is obliged to believe in the law laid down by the Indian Parliament." "This law is applicable all over the country. I can't say I will not go by it. No one else can say it. If anyone has taken oath under the Constitution, he can't say it will be challenged," he said. "I appeal to everyone, please don't politicise the issue. It is an issue which means the rule of law. Society and democracy can survive and prosper only if we believe in the rule of law," the Governor said. (With inputs from ANI)

Hope CM withdraws advertisements against Citizenship Act implementation: West Bengal Governor

After the Citizenship amendment act protests against the act in different parts of India continues.

Protests against citizenship amendment act continues in India

Three Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses were set on fire near Bharat Nagar area as demonstrations against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the national capital turned violent on Sunday.

Huge plumes of smoke were seen billowing out of the buses as flames engulfed them.

Protestors also vandalised a fire tender that was sent to douse the fire and also injured two firemen inside the vehicle."One fire tender which was rushed to douse bus fire stopped and damaged by the students. Two firemen were also injured," said Delhi Fire Service (DFS), Director, Atul Garg.

Damage to other buses and vehicles was also caused by the protestors.

Police have, meanwhile, taken control of the situation and fire tenders have been rushed to control the damage caused in different areas.

Earlier today, protestors, including students of Jamia Milia Islamia University, had carried out demonstrations in the Kalindi Kunj area against the CAA.

The Delhi Traffic Police had closed the roads on which protests were being held in the national capital and kept on informing the public about the situation on the roads which were blocked by the protestors.

"Traffic movement is closed from Sarita Vihar to Kalindi Kunj due to protest/demonstration at Shaheen Bagh. Traffic is diverted from Sarita Vihar towards Road no 13A and from Apollo to Road no 13," the tweet from the official handle of the Delhi Traffic Police read.

"Mathura Road opposite New Friends Colony both carriageways have been blocked by demonstrators," another tweet by the Traffic Police read.

Earlier, scores of students from the city's Jamia Millia Islamia staged a protest against the amended Citizenship Act on Saturday.

A day earlier on Friday, students protest left as many as 12 policemen injured.According to police, the protestors pelted stones at policemen who were deployed to control the situation.

The CAA seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Three Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses were set on fire near Bharat Nagar area as demonstrations against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the national capital turned violent on Sunday.

Three Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses were set on fire near Bharat Nagar area as demonstrations against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the national capital turned violent on Sunday. Huge plumes of smoke were seen billowing out of the buses as flames engulfed them. Protestors also vandalised a fire tender that was sent to douse the fire and also injured two firemen inside the vehicle."One fire tender which was rushed to douse bus fire stopped and damaged by the students. Two firemen were also injured," said Delhi Fire Service (DFS), Director, Atul Garg. Damage to other buses and vehicles was also caused by the protestors. Police have, meanwhile, taken control of the situation and fire tenders have been rushed to control the damage caused in different areas. Earlier today, protestors, including students of Jamia Milia Islamia University, had carried out demonstrations in the Kalindi Kunj area against the CAA. The Delhi Traffic Police had closed the roads on which protests were being held in the national capital and kept on informing the public about the situation on the roads which were blocked by the protestors. "Traffic movement is closed from Sarita Vihar to Kalindi Kunj due to protest/demonstration at Shaheen Bagh. Traffic is diverted from Sarita Vihar towards Road no 13A and from Apollo to Road no 13," the tweet from the official handle of the Delhi Traffic Police read. "Mathura Road opposite New Friends Colony both carriageways have been blocked by demonstrators," another tweet by the Traffic Police read. Earlier, scores of students from the city's Jamia Millia Islamia staged a protest against the amended Citizenship Act on Saturday. A day earlier on Friday, students protest left as many as 12 policemen injured.According to police, the protestors pelted stones at policemen who were deployed to control the situation. The CAA seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Delhi: DTC buses torched as protests against Citizenship Act turn violent

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar on Sunday said that people in the North-Eastern states should put forward their concerns on Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) peacefully without causing loss to life and property.

"I would like to appeal to all people (in North-eastern states protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act) that they must put forward their concerns peacefully without causing loss to life and property. Sri Lankan Tamil refugees should also get the citizenship of the country," Sri Sri Ravishankar told ANI.

Protests erupted in several parts of Northeast following the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

However, the Act will not apply to areas covered under "The Inner Line" notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.

"Nothing in this section shall apply to the tribal area of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram or Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution and the area covered under "The Inner Line" notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873," read a Gazette notification.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar on Sunday said that people in the North-Eastern states should put forward their concerns on Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) peacefully without causing loss to life and property.

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar on Sunday said that people in the North-Eastern states should put forward their concerns on Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) peacefully without causing loss to life and property. "I would like to appeal to all people (in North-eastern states protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act) that they must put forward their concerns peacefully without causing loss to life and property. Sri Lankan Tamil refugees should also get the citizenship of the country," Sri Sri Ravishankar told ANI. Protests erupted in several parts of Northeast following the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. However, the Act will not apply to areas covered under "The Inner Line" notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. "Nothing in this section shall apply to the tribal area of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram or Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution and the area covered under "The Inner Line" notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873," read a Gazette notification.

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar appeals for peace in Northeast India

Internet services have been suspended temporarily as a precautionary measure in some districts of West Bengal, sources said.

The internet was suspended in some parts of the districts of Uttar Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, Howrah, North 24 Parganas ( Basirhat and Barasat subdivisions) and South 24 Parganas ( Baruipur and Canning subdivisions).

This came amid protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 in several parts of West Bengal.

The Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

Internet services have been suspended temporarily as a precautionary measure in some districts of West Bengal, sources said. The internet was suspended in some parts of the districts of Uttar Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, Howrah, North 24 Parganas ( Basirhat and Barasat subdivisions) and South 24 Parganas ( Baruipur and Canning subdivisions).

Internet services have been suspended temporarily as a precautionary measure in some districts of West Bengal, sources said. The internet was suspended in some parts of the districts of Uttar Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, Howrah, North 24 Parganas ( Basirhat and Barasat subdivisions) and South 24 Parganas ( Baruipur and Canning subdivisions). This came amid protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 in several parts of West Bengal. The Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Internet services suspended temporarily in some parts of West Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed in both the Houses of Parliament to "give respect to those who fled to India and were forced to live as refugees".

The prime minister's remarks came during an address in Dumka, Jharkhand.&nbsp;

"Congress and their allies are creating a ruckus. They are doing arson because they did not get their way. Those who are creating violence can be identified by their clothes," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Dumka, Jharkhand: To give respect to those (minority communities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, &amp; Bangladesh) who fled to India &amp; were forced to live as refugees, both houses of parliament passed the law (Citizenship Amendment). <a href="https://t.co/IVa0SDCg5Q">pic.twitter.com/IVa0SDCg5Q</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1206143633994350593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The prime minister said the Congress party and their allies are giving silent support to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-3-dead-27-injured-till-now-in-protests-over-citizenship-268360">incidents of violence over Citizenship Amendment Act</a>.&nbsp;

"These scenes are strengthening the country's confidence that Modi, Parliament and the government have saved the country by bringing the Act," he stated.&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Dumka, Jharkhand: Congress &amp; their allies are creating a ruckus. They are doing arson because they did not get their way. Those who are creating violence can be identified by their clothes itself. <a href="https://t.co/UDb7gDJg6S">https://t.co/UDb7gDJg6S</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1206145414107295745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"For the first time, the Congress party has done what Pakistan has been doing for long. What can be more shameful than that? Will any Indian stage a demonstration outside any Indian embassy in other countries," asked Modi, while addressing an election rally.

As a part of its Bharat Bachao Rally, the Congress party staged protests outside Indian embassies across the world to highlight the problem of unemployment, slump in the economy, and distressed farmers in the country on Saturday.&nbsp;

Parts of the northeast, states like Nagaland and Meghalaya, are facing curfew as unrest prevails over the Citizenship Amendment Act.&nbsp;

Protest have also gripped the national capital and parts of West Bengal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed in both the Houses of Parliament to "give respect to those who fled to India and were forced to live as refugees".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed in both the Houses of Parliament to "give respect to those who fled to India and were forced to live as refugees". The prime minister's remarks came during an address in Dumka, Jharkhand. "Congress and their allies are creating a ruckus. They are doing arson because they did not get their way. Those who are creating violence can be identified by their clothes," PM Modi said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Dumka, Jharkhand: To give respect to those (minority communities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, & Bangladesh) who fled to India & were forced to live as refugees, both houses of parliament passed the law (Citizenship Amendment). pic.twitter.com/IVa0SDCg5Q — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2019 × The prime minister said the Congress party and their allies are giving silent support to the incidents of violence over Citizenship Amendment Act. "These scenes are strengthening the country's confidence that Modi, Parliament and the government have saved the country by bringing the Act," he stated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Dumka, Jharkhand: Congress & their allies are creating a ruckus. They are doing arson because they did not get their way. Those who are creating violence can be identified by their clothes itself. https://t.co/UDb7gDJg6S — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2019 × "For the first time, the Congress party has done what Pakistan has been doing for long. What can be more shameful than that? Will any Indian stage a demonstration outside any Indian embassy in other countries," asked Modi, while addressing an election rally. As a part of its Bharat Bachao Rally, the Congress party staged protests outside Indian embassies across the world to highlight the problem of unemployment, slump in the economy, and distressed farmers in the country on Saturday. Parts of the northeast, states like Nagaland and Meghalaya, are facing curfew as unrest prevails over the Citizenship Amendment Act. Protest have also gripped the national capital and parts of West Bengal.

Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed to give respect to those who fled to India as refugees: PM Modi 

In view of the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, trains services in Kolkata have severely been affected.

People of Kolkata staged a protest on railway tracks against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The train services on New Farakka - Azimganj and Rampurhat - Gumani sections have been cancelled.

The trains cancelled for December 14 include 15721 UP Digha - New Jalpaiguri Paharia Express, 13142 DN New Alipurduar - Sealdah Teesta Torsa Express and 13146 DN Radhikapur - Kolkata express.13141 UP Sealdah - New Alipurduar Teesta Torsa Express, 13465 UP/13466 DN Howrah - Malda - Howrah Intercity Express, 13145 UP Kolkata - Radhikapur Express have been cancelled for December 15. Train no. 13033 UP Howrah - Katihar Express, 12517 UP Kolkata - Guwahati Garib Rath Express, 13142 DN New Alipurduar - Sealdah Teesta Torsa Express for December 15 have also been cancelled.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed from Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with Presidential assent on November 12.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In view of the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, trains services in Kolkata have severely been affected. People of Kolkata staged a protest on railway tracks against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

In view of the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, trains services in Kolkata have severely been affected. People of Kolkata staged a protest on railway tracks against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The train services on New Farakka - Azimganj and Rampurhat - Gumani sections have been cancelled. The trains cancelled for December 14 include 15721 UP Digha - New Jalpaiguri Paharia Express, 13142 DN New Alipurduar - Sealdah Teesta Torsa Express and 13146 DN Radhikapur - Kolkata express.13141 UP Sealdah - New Alipurduar Teesta Torsa Express, 13465 UP/13466 DN Howrah - Malda - Howrah Intercity Express, 13145 UP Kolkata - Radhikapur Express have been cancelled for December 15. Train no. 13033 UP Howrah - Katihar Express, 12517 UP Kolkata - Guwahati Garib Rath Express, 13142 DN New Alipurduar - Sealdah Teesta Torsa Express for December 15 have also been cancelled. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed from Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with Presidential assent on November 12.

Citizenship Amendment Act: Protests in West Bengal, several trains cancelled

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday said if the Parliament has passed a law, then every Indian is obliged to follow it.

Speaking to media regarding Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dhankhar said, "If the Parliament in its wisdom has given us a law, which is the rule of the land, everyone particularly those like me and others who hold Constitutional positions has to believe in it. Every Indian is obliged to believe in the law laid down by the Indian Parliament."

"This law is applicable all over the country. I can't say I will not go by it. No one else can say it. If anyone has taken oath under the Constitution, he can't say it will be challenged," he said.

"I appeal to everyone, please don't politicise the issue. It is an issue which means the rule of law. Society and democracy can survive and prosper only if we believe in the rule of law," the Governor said.

Speaking about the protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dhankhar said, "The destruction of public property created by the toll of the people is most unfortunate. We as a country cannot afford on the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi to engage in violent activities."

"I appeal to everyone including the government to be proactive. If you find and identify miscreants, I am sure that should be done. Identification of miscreants is always a deterrent for such kind of activities," he said.

"West Bengal by its culture and people deserve to be peaceful. I have no hesitation in saying that the CAB is now an Act passed by the Indian parliament. It is under the Constitution, which is a tool for a powerful democracy," he said.

The Governor further said, "I with folded hands appeal to everyone that you have a way out under the Constitution if you think something has to be looked into. But being on road destroying trains, buses, railway station, and the police station is not the way out."

"I would expect everyone to contribute hugely for peace of the area. I appeal to the government, in particular, that it is time for you to proceed against miscreants and against those who are using social media for inflammatory messages," added Dhankar.

 
&nbsp;

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday said if the Parliament has passed a law, then every Indian is obliged to follow it. Speaking to media regarding Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dhankhar said, "If the Parliament in its wisdom has given us a law, which is the rule of the land, everyone particularly those like me and others who hold Constitutional positions has to believe in it.

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday said if the Parliament has passed a law, then every Indian is obliged to follow it. Speaking to media regarding Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dhankhar said, "If the Parliament in its wisdom has given us a law, which is the rule of the land, everyone particularly those like me and others who hold Constitutional positions has to believe in it. Every Indian is obliged to believe in the law laid down by the Indian Parliament." "This law is applicable all over the country. I can't say I will not go by it. No one else can say it. If anyone has taken oath under the Constitution, he can't say it will be challenged," he said. "I appeal to everyone, please don't politicise the issue. It is an issue which means the rule of law. Society and democracy can survive and prosper only if we believe in the rule of law," the Governor said. Speaking about the protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dhankhar said, "The destruction of public property created by the toll of the people is most unfortunate. We as a country cannot afford on the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi to engage in violent activities." "I appeal to everyone including the government to be proactive. If you find and identify miscreants, I am sure that should be done. Identification of miscreants is always a deterrent for such kind of activities," he said. "West Bengal by its culture and people deserve to be peaceful. I have no hesitation in saying that the CAB is now an Act passed by the Indian parliament. It is under the Constitution, which is a tool for a powerful democracy," he said. The Governor further said, "I with folded hands appeal to everyone that you have a way out under the Constitution if you think something has to be looked into. But being on road destroying trains, buses, railway station, and the police station is not the way out." "I would expect everyone to contribute hugely for peace of the area. I appeal to the government, in particular, that it is time for you to proceed against miscreants and against those who are using social media for inflammatory messages," added Dhankar.

Every Indian is obliged to abide by law: West Bengal Governor on Citizenship Amendment Act

The entry and the exit points at Jamia Millia Islamia and Janpath metro stations were closed on Saturday in Delhi.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in a tweet said,&nbsp;"As advised by the Delhi Police, entry and exit at Jamia Millia Islamia station has been closed. Trains will not be halting at this station."

"The entry and exit at Janpath has been closed. Trains will not be halting at this station," the DMRC added in another tweet.

Meanwhile, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) on Saturday announced that it has postponed all examinations.

"All examinations have been postponed. New dates to be announced in due course of time. Winter vacation declared from December 16, 2019, to January 5, 2020. University to open on 6th January 2020," a release from the university said.

Scores of students from the city's Jamia Millia Islamia staged a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) on Saturday.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

The entry and the exit points at Jamia Millia Islamia and Janpath metro stations were closed on Saturday in Delhi. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in a tweet said, "As advised by the Delhi Police, entry and exit at Jamia Millia Islamia station has been closed.

The entry and the exit points at Jamia Millia Islamia and Janpath metro stations were closed on Saturday in Delhi. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in a tweet said, "As advised by the Delhi Police, entry and exit at Jamia Millia Islamia station has been closed. Trains will not be halting at this station." "The entry and exit at Janpath has been closed. Trains will not be halting at this station," the DMRC added in another tweet. Meanwhile, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) on Saturday announced that it has postponed all examinations. "All examinations have been postponed. New dates to be announced in due course of time. Winter vacation declared from December 16, 2019, to January 5, 2020. University to open on 6th January 2020," a release from the university said. Scores of students from the city's Jamia Millia Islamia staged a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) on Saturday. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

CAA protest: Entry, exit at Jamia Millia Islamia, Janpath stations closed, says Delhi Metro

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday reacted on the ongoing row on the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that there is nothing worry.

"Rumours are being spread," he told media today.

Gadkari said that the bill seeks to give place to people of "Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Christian communities who don't find a place in any other country" and that they will be given citizenship.

"We're neither against Muslims nor we're asking anyone to go to Pakistan. There's nothing to worry. Rumours are being spread," the minister stated.&nbsp;

"Should we spread a red carpet for the foreign nationals who are entering our country?" Gadkari quipped. &nbsp;

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Union Minister Nitin Gadkari: People of Hindu,Sikh, Buddhist,Jain&amp;Christian communities who don't find place in any other country will be given citizenship.We're neither against Muslims nor we're asking anyone to go to Pakistan. There's nothing to worry. Rumours are being spread. <a href="https://t.co/xPxu0VWrQQ">https://t.co/xPxu0VWrQQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205481923805507585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The welfare of the county and politics should be kept apart," he said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, protests in the northeastern states of India continue against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

As many as 26 Army columns have been deployed in Assam to support the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to handle the situation there, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Mobile Internet services were suspended for another 48 hours in 10 districts of Assam on Friday after the administration had suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours on Wednesday in 10 districts.

On Thursday two people were killed in police firing in the northeast as the mob continued to protest the Act. The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 turned into an Act after President Kovind gave his assent on late Thursday night.&nbsp;

The Act seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants, fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday reacted on the ongoing row on the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that there is nothing worry. "Rumours are being spread," he told media today.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday reacted on the ongoing row on the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that there is nothing worry. "Rumours are being spread," he told media today. Gadkari said that the bill seeks to give place to people of "Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Christian communities who don't find a place in any other country" and that they will be given citizenship. "We're neither against Muslims nor we're asking anyone to go to Pakistan. There's nothing to worry. Rumours are being spread," the minister stated. "Should we spread a red carpet for the foreign nationals who are entering our country?" Gadkari quipped. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari: People of Hindu,Sikh, Buddhist,Jain&Christian communities who don't find place in any other country will be given citizenship.We're neither against Muslims nor we're asking anyone to go to Pakistan. There's nothing to worry. Rumours are being spread. https://t.co/xPxu0VWrQQ — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × "The welfare of the county and politics should be kept apart," he said. Meanwhile, protests in the northeastern states of India continue against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. As many as 26 Army columns have been deployed in Assam to support the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to handle the situation there, news agency ANI reported. Mobile Internet services were suspended for another 48 hours in 10 districts of Assam on Friday after the administration had suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours on Wednesday in 10 districts. On Thursday two people were killed in police firing in the northeast as the mob continued to protest the Act. The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 turned into an Act after President Kovind gave his assent on late Thursday night. The Act seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants, fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Rumours are being spread, there's no need to worry: Gadkari on Citizenship Amendment Act 

According to government sources, the applicability of the Citizenship Amendment Act is to take place in all states, news agency ANI reported.

"The issue of citizenship comes under the Union List by 7th schedule of the Constitution. Such an amendment is applicable to all states," ANI reported citing government sources.

The Union List is given in the Seventh Schedule in the Constitution of India on which Parliament has exclusive power to legislate.The legislative section is divided into three lists: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.Unlike the federal governments of the United States, Switzerland, and Australia, residual powers remain with the Union Government, as with the Canadian federal government.&nbsp;

Sources at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have said that the states hold no power to deny Union law.

This comes as the leadership of five states have said they will not let the Act get implemented in their respective states.

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Govt sources on five states which have said that they will not implement <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CitizenshipAmendmentAct?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CitizenshipAmendmentAct</a>: Issue of citizenship comes under the union list by 7th schedule of the Constitution. Such amendment is applicable to all states. <a href="https://t.co/yxMTVjHseI">pic.twitter.com/yxMTVjHseI</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205427604901154816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Bill officially turned into an Act after President Ram Nath Kovind's assent.

Kerala, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal the states where the leadership has stated that the Act will not get implemented.

"The move to decide citizenship on the basis of religion amounts to a rejection of the Constitution," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said in a tweet.

President Ram Nath Kovind, late on Thursday, gave his assent to the Bill, signing it into an Act.

Massive protests have gripped India's northeast against the bill. Two people lost their lives in police firing as the mob continued to protest, opposing the Bill that seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.&nbsp;

On Friday, Congress party moved to the Supreme Court, claiming that the Act violates Article 14 of the Constitution.

According to government sources, the applicability of the Citizenship Amendment Act is to take place in all states, news agency ANI reported. "The issue of citizenship comes under the Union List by 7th schedule of the Constitution.

According to government sources, the applicability of the Citizenship Amendment Act is to take place in all states, news agency ANI reported. "The issue of citizenship comes under the Union List by 7th schedule of the Constitution. Such an amendment is applicable to all states," ANI reported citing government sources. The Union List is given in the Seventh Schedule in the Constitution of India on which Parliament has exclusive power to legislate.The legislative section is divided into three lists: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.Unlike the federal governments of the United States, Switzerland, and Australia, residual powers remain with the Union Government, as with the Canadian federal government. Sources at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have said that the states hold no power to deny Union law. This comes as the leadership of five states have said they will not let the Act get implemented in their respective states. Govt sources on five states which have said that they will not implement #CitizenshipAmendmentAct: Issue of citizenship comes under the union list by 7th schedule of the Constitution. Such amendment is applicable to all states. pic.twitter.com/yxMTVjHseI — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × The Bill officially turned into an Act after President Ram Nath Kovind's assent. Kerala, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal the states where the leadership has stated that the Act will not get implemented. "The move to decide citizenship on the basis of religion amounts to a rejection of the Constitution," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said in a tweet. President Ram Nath Kovind, late on Thursday, gave his assent to the Bill, signing it into an Act. Massive protests have gripped India's northeast against the bill. Two people lost their lives in police firing as the mob continued to protest, opposing the Bill that seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. On Friday, Congress party moved to the Supreme Court, claiming that the Act violates Article 14 of the Constitution.

Applicable to all: Government sources on states denying implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act

With the passing of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAB), 2019 from both houses of Parliament and with the assent of the President yesterday, the much-politicised bill has now become a law. The marathon debates in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, had seen some passionate flow of emotions both in favour and against the bill.

Before opening up the case for further analysis, it’s important to understand who is a refugee and an illegal migrant?

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) defines a refugee as someone, “Who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.” Such a refugee has a right to seek asylum in another country in order to get lawful recognition, shelter, legal protection and material assistance.

The main framework document to deal with international refugees is the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and its 1967 protocol, ratified by 145 countries, of which India is not a signatory. However, India respects the mandates of these protocols and grants asylums to a large number of neighbouring and non-neighbouring refugees as per ‘non-refoulment’ principle of the UNHCR, meaning, India doesn’t force the refugees or asylum seekers to go back to their respective countries from where they have emigrated and where they’re liable to face persecution again.

India has been a centre of a consistent flow of migration of mixed nature that has often created complexities of various natures. At the one side, there are various minority groups coming from the neighbouring Muslim countries after escaping religious persecution while at the other side are ‘economic migrants’ who infiltrate into India simply in search of better life opportunities.

While the first groups of refugees are the ones who come to India to save their lives and honour, the second groups of migrants are nothing but opportunist infiltrators who emigrate from their countries of nationalities looking for better opportunities that, at times, also jeopardises the security interests of the host nation. The first group consists mainly of those religious communities who consider India as their natural home.

The growing security concerns have forced India to shrink its asylum space and adopt mixed policies to deal with different refugee groups, than to have one universal policy paradigm as per the UNHCR framework. In accordance with this, the central government decided to bring the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) - first in 2016 and again in 2019 – aimed to grant citizenship to the six specific communities, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jains, Parsis and Christian migrating in India from three countries - Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

These group of migrants settled mainly in the North-east and in other different parts of the country, as per clause (c) of sub-section (2) of section 3 of the passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 and also of the provisions of the Foreigners Act 1946, were declared ‘illegal migrants. As per the provisions of the two Acts, anyone who: (i) enters the country without valid travel documents, like a passport and visa, or (ii) enters with valid documents, but stays beyond the permitted time period, is a foreigner and an illegal migrant.&nbsp;

In normal conditions, such illegal migrants are liable to be imprisoned or deported. However, the Central Government, through two separate notifications in 2015 and 2016, had exempted these six specific religious migrants from provisions of the 1946 and the 1920 Acts, thus, allowing them to continue in India on long-term visas even without valid documents. However, still they were not eligible to get Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Act, 1955. But, now, with the passing of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, all such illegal migrants from the six religious groups will become eligible to get Indian citizenship. &nbsp;

The opponents of the CAB can be broadly divided into two groups - the first having existential, while the other having ideological concerns.

Those with existential concerns are the residents of the North-East, who have a genuine concern of loss of their identity as well as of various opportunities for them in the new order. They, naturally, fear being overwhelmed by the new immigrants - mostly settled around Assam, Tripura and nearby areas - who will vie with them for the available resources and opportunities. The ones, with ideological concerns, are people and groups - including most of the political parties opposing it - who believe that the law would violate the basic principles of the constitution and would run against the idea of India.

While the concerns of the first group are genuine, requiring some deft political handling on the ground, the concerns of the ideological camp are more phantasmagorical and motivated than having any real substantive value.

With the bill becoming legislation, the same is all set to be challenged in the courts. Badruddin Ajmal, the chief of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), has already expressed his intention to move to the Supreme Court against the proposed Act. Similarly, the Congress Party is also studying options to challenge the Act in the Supreme Court, and so are many other small-big organizations across the country. However, despite all their zealous intentions, the Supreme Court is unlikely to quash the bill and reverse the position. Let’s examine how.

The opponents of the bill, the Congress, Trinamool Congress, CPI(M) and a few other political parties, have based their arguments on the basic premise that CAB is violative of Article 14 of the Constitution, asserting that India's constitution "insists on the fundamentals of equality, regardless of gender, caste, religion, class, community or language" - as elaborated by a group of 600 intellectuals from different fields. They believe that the bill, now the Act, violates one’s constitutional Right to Equality as it intends to differentiate among the refugees and that, it proposes to give citizenship on the basis of religion.&nbsp;

Apparently, the argument looks sound and plausible, though in reality, it is hardly so.&nbsp;

Despite all claims of the naysayers, who have been shouting from the rooftop that the new Act violates basic frameworks of the Indian constitution, the fact of the matter is that CAB is sound in constitutional legality, both in its letter and spirit.

Article 14 of the Indian constitution says that State shall ensure equality before the law for all citizens within the territory of India and each of them shall have equal protection of the law. The article means that no one is above the law of the land and thus, it goes to establishes the concept of 'Rule of the Law'.

However, one should not infer that under Article 14, all laws must be general in character; it never means that the same laws should invariably apply to all persons in all circumstances or that every law must have universal application

The concept of “Equal protection of the law”, enshrined in Article 14 of the Indian constitution, has been taken from the constitution of the United States from section 1 of the 14th amendment act, which elaborates the meaning of equal protection of the law. It says that 'Equal Protection of law' means that each person within the territory of the nation will get equal protection without discrimination of age, sex, caste, religious status, ethnicity, language or opinions. Equal law should be applied to all in the same situation and that, there should be no discrimination between one person and another in a similar circumstance, as equality can't be “cribbed, cabined or confined”. In plain words, equals should be treated equally.

However, the concept of equals presupposes the existence of 'unequals' where some may have distinct attributes from the rest, hence such people need to be 'classified' accordingly as distinct from the others.

The supreme court of India, over years of interpretation of Article 14, have evolved a doctrine of 'classification' where citizens demonstrating distinct attributes can be classified among the population on the basis of which the State can make different laws for such classified groups of people. However, the classification needs to be 'reasonable classification' where the test of reasonableness will be to see (a) whether the classification so made is 'intelligible', meaning whether it is based on an objective and transparent criteria, and (b) whether the law so applied on such classified group has a rational relation with the objectives sought to be achieved by the legislation or the executive action. If the above conditions are met, the courts are satisfied with the reasonableness of the classification, else the classification is treated as 'arbitrary', breaching the premises of Art 14 and resulting into 'negation of equality'.

In the historical case of Indra Sawhney (Indra Sawhney &amp; Others Vs Union of India, 1992), the Supreme Court recognized the right to equality as one of the basic features of the Indian constitution. Article 14 applies to all persons and is not limited to citizens only. Hence, Article 14 is applicable also to the refugees and illegal migrants living within the territory of India, as recognized by the government.

However, the six religious groups, namely, Hindu, Sikhs, Buddhist, Jains, Parsis and Christians, have been classified by the Government of India in 2015 and 2016 as 'persecuted minorities' from the three neighbouring countries - Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, and on the same classification, such groups were allowed to stay within India through exemptions underclause (c) of sub-section (2) of section 3 of the passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 and also of the provisions of the Foreigners Act 1946. Hence, the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 will be treated as a logical extension of that classification, thus meeting the criteria of 'reasonableness' evolved under Article 14. 
 
The opponents of the Act emphasise that the Act intends to award citizenship on the basis of religion, thus violating the provisions of Art 14. However, each country may devise its own methodology for the classification of refugees and for according reasonable treatment to them. 
 
In the current Act, the basis of the classification of the 6 religious groups is not religion per se, but 'religious persecution' in the three countries as explained in the 'objects and reasons' of the original Bill - “Since the Constitutions of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh provide for a specific State religion, many persons belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities have faced persecution on the grounds of religion.” 
 
Thus, by the above statement, religion alone becomes a basis of persecution for the 6 minority communities in the said three countries, hence their classification and resultant naturalization in India on the basis of religion meets the essential test of 'reasonableness', as sought under Article 14 of the constitution. Therefore, exceptions for religious groups in the matter of granting citizenships can certainly be made without violating the provisions of Article 14, as the same meets the criteria of 'reasonable classification' evolved by the SC. A sound analogy can be inferred from the famous Indra Sawhney case (1992), where 'caste' was accepted as basis of social backwardness during the Mandal Commision hearing by the Supreme Court, and thus, despite the equality criteria under Article 14, exception was made in favour of castes in the matter of giving them reservation in government jobs and employments. 
 
Going by the above, the Act giving citizenship to the refugees from the six religious groups wouldn't be an outlandish proposition, impinging on the secular credentials of India. 
 
Further, as per the defined parameters, the Muslim settlers migrating in India from any of those three countries will always remain 'illegal migrants', as legally speaking they don't qualify to become a refugee by any global standards that define the term. 
 
In 2011, the UNHCR itself expanded the definition of the term 'refugee' as mentioned in the 1951 UN Convention, by categorizing those as refugees, "Who are outside their country of nationality or habitual residence and unable to return there owing to serious and indiscriminate threats to life, physical integrity or freedom resulting from generalized violence or events seriously disturbing public order." Further, the minimum standards definition of refugee by the European Union also reproduces the same definition of refugee offered by the 1951 UN Convention.

Therefore, the Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, sadly, don't qualify to be recognized as a “refugee” as they're not migrating into India as a result of any of the said conditions. Hence, they can't hope to be eligible for any international protection, much less for citizenship. The Supreme Court, going strictly by the legality and technicality of the entanglement, wouldn't miss these essential facts.

The central government has made a sound case for implementation of the Act by introduction of historical elements into the debate. The Home Minister Amit Shah mentioned the 'Nehru-Liaquat Pact' of 1950, signed after the partition of the subcontinent in 1947, and invoked the commitments given by the two Prime Ministers in the pact to protect the rights, interests and lives of the minorities in the respective countries.

As it's well known, the pact wasn't honoured in either of East or West Pakistan, leading to continued exodus of the six minorities from Pakistan, and later, Bangladesh. Hence, the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 positions itself as India's sincere response to the complex historical legacy borne on account of failures of its neighbours to protect the life and honour of their minorities. It also gives India the moral high ground to own up those minorities who once lived in the one undivided country prior to the partition.

Because of this very angle (Nehru-Liaquat Pact), the case of refugees from other countries, such as that of Tamil refugees from Sri Lanka, can't be clubbed in the present Act, as its specifically designed to set right a historical wrong, i.e. partition of India, that was done on religious lines.

Further, the Indian constitution recognises the religious minorities as one single religious group, without categorising them into sects, sub-sects and other denomination, and extends all benefits and protections to them accordingly. For this specific reason, the Ahmadiya community, as invoked by some people, won't qualify for getting any kind of international protection as refugees in India, as the constitution recognises all Muslims as one religious community, 'Umma'.

Hence, in view of the above, one can understand that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 has, both on the substantive and procedural grounds, a water-tight case in its favour and that's why the Supreme Court, even if the matter is taken to its doorsteps, is unlikely to reverse the position. 
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(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

With the passing of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAB), 2019 from both houses of Parliament and with the assent of the President yesterday, the much-politicised bill has now become a law.

With the passing of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAB), 2019 from both houses of Parliament and with the assent of the President yesterday, the much-politicised bill has now become a law. The marathon debates in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, had seen some passionate flow of emotions both in favour and against the bill. Before opening up the case for further analysis, it’s important to understand who is a refugee and an illegal migrant? The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) defines a refugee as someone, “Who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.” Such a refugee has a right to seek asylum in another country in order to get lawful recognition, shelter, legal protection and material assistance. The main framework document to deal with international refugees is the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and its 1967 protocol, ratified by 145 countries, of which India is not a signatory. However, India respects the mandates of these protocols and grants asylums to a large number of neighbouring and non-neighbouring refugees as per ‘non-refoulment’ principle of the UNHCR, meaning, India doesn’t force the refugees or asylum seekers to go back to their respective countries from where they have emigrated and where they’re liable to face persecution again. India has been a centre of a consistent flow of migration of mixed nature that has often created complexities of various natures. At the one side, there are various minority groups coming from the neighbouring Muslim countries after escaping religious persecution while at the other side are ‘economic migrants’ who infiltrate into India simply in search of better life opportunities. While the first groups of refugees are the ones who come to India to save their lives and honour, the second groups of migrants are nothing but opportunist infiltrators who emigrate from their countries of nationalities looking for better opportunities that, at times, also jeopardises the security interests of the host nation. The first group consists mainly of those religious communities who consider India as their natural home. The growing security concerns have forced India to shrink its asylum space and adopt mixed policies to deal with different refugee groups, than to have one universal policy paradigm as per the UNHCR framework. In accordance with this, the central government decided to bring the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) - first in 2016 and again in 2019 – aimed to grant citizenship to the six specific communities, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jains, Parsis and Christian migrating in India from three countries - Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. These group of migrants settled mainly in the North-east and in other different parts of the country, as per clause (c) of sub-section (2) of section 3 of the passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 and also of the provisions of the Foreigners Act 1946, were declared ‘illegal migrants. As per the provisions of the two Acts, anyone who: (i) enters the country without valid travel documents, like a passport and visa, or (ii) enters with valid documents, but stays beyond the permitted time period, is a foreigner and an illegal migrant. In normal conditions, such illegal migrants are liable to be imprisoned or deported. However, the Central Government, through two separate notifications in 2015 and 2016, had exempted these six specific religious migrants from provisions of the 1946 and the 1920 Acts, thus, allowing them to continue in India on long-term visas even without valid documents. However, still they were not eligible to get Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Act, 1955. But, now, with the passing of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, all such illegal migrants from the six religious groups will become eligible to get Indian citizenship. The opponents of the CAB can be broadly divided into two groups - the first having existential, while the other having ideological concerns. Those with existential concerns are the residents of the North-East, who have a genuine concern of loss of their identity as well as of various opportunities for them in the new order. They, naturally, fear being overwhelmed by the new immigrants - mostly settled around Assam, Tripura and nearby areas - who will vie with them for the available resources and opportunities. The ones, with ideological concerns, are people and groups - including most of the political parties opposing it - who believe that the law would violate the basic principles of the constitution and would run against the idea of India. While the concerns of the first group are genuine, requiring some deft political handling on the ground, the concerns of the ideological camp are more phantasmagorical and motivated than having any real substantive value. With the bill becoming legislation, the same is all set to be challenged in the courts. Badruddin Ajmal, the chief of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), has already expressed his intention to move to the Supreme Court against the proposed Act. Similarly, the Congress Party is also studying options to challenge the Act in the Supreme Court, and so are many other small-big organizations across the country. However, despite all their zealous intentions, the Supreme Court is unlikely to quash the bill and reverse the position. Let’s examine how. The opponents of the bill, the Congress, Trinamool Congress, CPI(M) and a few other political parties, have based their arguments on the basic premise that CAB is violative of Article 14 of the Constitution, asserting that India's constitution "insists on the fundamentals of equality, regardless of gender, caste, religion, class, community or language" - as elaborated by a group of 600 intellectuals from different fields. They believe that the bill, now the Act, violates one’s constitutional Right to Equality as it intends to differentiate among the refugees and that, it proposes to give citizenship on the basis of religion. Apparently, the argument looks sound and plausible, though in reality, it is hardly so. Despite all claims of the naysayers, who have been shouting from the rooftop that the new Act violates basic frameworks of the Indian constitution, the fact of the matter is that CAB is sound in constitutional legality, both in its letter and spirit. Article 14 of the Indian constitution says that State shall ensure equality before the law for all citizens within the territory of India and each of them shall have equal protection of the law. The article means that no one is above the law of the land and thus, it goes to establishes the concept of 'Rule of the Law'. However, one should not infer that under Article 14, all laws must be general in character; it never means that the same laws should invariably apply to all persons in all circumstances or that every law must have universal application The concept of “Equal protection of the law”, enshrined in Article 14 of the Indian constitution, has been taken from the constitution of the United States from section 1 of the 14th amendment act, which elaborates the meaning of equal protection of the law. It says that 'Equal Protection of law' means that each person within the territory of the nation will get equal protection without discrimination of age, sex, caste, religious status, ethnicity, language or opinions. Equal law should be applied to all in the same situation and that, there should be no discrimination between one person and another in a similar circumstance, as equality can't be “cribbed, cabined or confined”. In plain words, equals should be treated equally. However, the concept of equals presupposes the existence of 'unequals' where some may have distinct attributes from the rest, hence such people need to be 'classified' accordingly as distinct from the others. The supreme court of India, over years of interpretation of Article 14, have evolved a doctrine of 'classification' where citizens demonstrating distinct attributes can be classified among the population on the basis of which the State can make different laws for such classified groups of people. However, the classification needs to be 'reasonable classification' where the test of reasonableness will be to see (a) whether the classification so made is 'intelligible', meaning whether it is based on an objective and transparent criteria, and (b) whether the law so applied on such classified group has a rational relation with the objectives sought to be achieved by the legislation or the executive action. If the above conditions are met, the courts are satisfied with the reasonableness of the classification, else the classification is treated as 'arbitrary', breaching the premises of Art 14 and resulting into 'negation of equality'. In the historical case of Indra Sawhney (Indra Sawhney & Others Vs Union of India, 1992), the Supreme Court recognized the right to equality as one of the basic features of the Indian constitution. Article 14 applies to all persons and is not limited to citizens only. Hence, Article 14 is applicable also to the refugees and illegal migrants living within the territory of India, as recognized by the government. However, the six religious groups, namely, Hindu, Sikhs, Buddhist, Jains, Parsis and Christians, have been classified by the Government of India in 2015 and 2016 as 'persecuted minorities' from the three neighbouring countries - Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, and on the same classification, such groups were allowed to stay within India through exemptions underclause (c) of sub-section (2) of section 3 of the passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 and also of the provisions of the Foreigners Act 1946. Hence, the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 will be treated as a logical extension of that classification, thus meeting the criteria of 'reasonableness' evolved under Article 14. The opponents of the Act emphasise that the Act intends to award citizenship on the basis of religion, thus violating the provisions of Art 14. However, each country may devise its own methodology for the classification of refugees and for according reasonable treatment to them. In the current Act, the basis of the classification of the 6 religious groups is not religion per se, but 'religious persecution' in the three countries as explained in the 'objects and reasons' of the original Bill - “Since the Constitutions of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh provide for a specific State religion, many persons belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities have faced persecution on the grounds of religion.” Thus, by the above statement, religion alone becomes a basis of persecution for the 6 minority communities in the said three countries, hence their classification and resultant naturalization in India on the basis of religion meets the essential test of 'reasonableness', as sought under Article 14 of the constitution. Therefore, exceptions for religious groups in the matter of granting citizenships can certainly be made without violating the provisions of Article 14, as the same meets the criteria of 'reasonable classification' evolved by the SC. A sound analogy can be inferred from the famous Indra Sawhney case (1992), where 'caste' was accepted as basis of social backwardness during the Mandal Commision hearing by the Supreme Court, and thus, despite the equality criteria under Article 14, exception was made in favour of castes in the matter of giving them reservation in government jobs and employments. Going by the above, the Act giving citizenship to the refugees from the six religious groups wouldn't be an outlandish proposition, impinging on the secular credentials of India. Further, as per the defined parameters, the Muslim settlers migrating in India from any of those three countries will always remain 'illegal migrants', as legally speaking they don't qualify to become a refugee by any global standards that define the term. In 2011, the UNHCR itself expanded the definition of the term 'refugee' as mentioned in the 1951 UN Convention, by categorizing those as refugees, "Who are outside their country of nationality or habitual residence and unable to return there owing to serious and indiscriminate threats to life, physical integrity or freedom resulting from generalized violence or events seriously disturbing public order." Further, the minimum standards definition of refugee by the European Union also reproduces the same definition of refugee offered by the 1951 UN Convention. Therefore, the Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, sadly, don't qualify to be recognized as a “refugee” as they're not migrating into India as a result of any of the said conditions. Hence, they can't hope to be eligible for any international protection, much less for citizenship. The Supreme Court, going strictly by the legality and technicality of the entanglement, wouldn't miss these essential facts. The central government has made a sound case for implementation of the Act by introduction of historical elements into the debate. The Home Minister Amit Shah mentioned the 'Nehru-Liaquat Pact' of 1950, signed after the partition of the subcontinent in 1947, and invoked the commitments given by the two Prime Ministers in the pact to protect the rights, interests and lives of the minorities in the respective countries. As it's well known, the pact wasn't honoured in either of East or West Pakistan, leading to continued exodus of the six minorities from Pakistan, and later, Bangladesh. Hence, the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 positions itself as India's sincere response to the complex historical legacy borne on account of failures of its neighbours to protect the life and honour of their minorities. It also gives India the moral high ground to own up those minorities who once lived in the one undivided country prior to the partition. Because of this very angle (Nehru-Liaquat Pact), the case of refugees from other countries, such as that of Tamil refugees from Sri Lanka, can't be clubbed in the present Act, as its specifically designed to set right a historical wrong, i.e. partition of India, that was done on religious lines. Further, the Indian constitution recognises the religious minorities as one single religious group, without categorising them into sects, sub-sects and other denomination, and extends all benefits and protections to them accordingly. For this specific reason, the Ahmadiya community, as invoked by some people, won't qualify for getting any kind of international protection as refugees in India, as the constitution recognises all Muslims as one religious community, 'Umma'. Hence, in view of the above, one can understand that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 has, both on the substantive and procedural grounds, a water-tight case in its favour and that's why the Supreme Court, even if the matter is taken to its doorsteps, is unlikely to reverse the position. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Here's why Supreme Court is not likely to quash Citizenship Amendment Act