New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs has sought an additional three months’ time for framing rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), officials said on Sunday.
The plea was made before the Department Related Standing Committee for Subordinate Legislation as according to the Manual on Parliamentary Work, the rules for any legislation should be framed within six months of the presidential assent or an extension must be sought.
The controversial CAA, which facilitates granting of Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim minorities of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, was passed by parliament nearly eight months ago and had led to widespread protests in different parts of the country.
The president had given his assent to the legislation on December 12, 2019.
“The home ministry has sought an additional three months time to frame the rules for the CAA. The plea was made before the Department Related Standing Committee for Subordinate Legislation,” a senior official told PTI.
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The home ministry’s move came after the panel enquired about the status of the rules for the CAA. The committee is likely to accept the request, the official said.
The Manual on Parliamentary Work states that, “statutory rules, regulations and bye-laws will be framed within a period of six months from the date on which the relevant statute came into force”.
The manual also states that in case the ministries/departments are not able to frame the rules within the prescribed period of six months, “they should seek extension of time from the Committee on Subordinate Legislation stating reasons for such extension” which cannot be more than for a period of three months at a time.
After the CAA was passed by parliament, widespread protests were witnessed in the country. Those opposing the CAA contend that it discriminates on the basis of religion and violates the Constitution. They also allege that the CAA along with the National Register of Citizens is intended to target the Muslim community in India. Internationally too, the law has received criticism for being discriminatory, including from the UN human rights commissioner.
(With PTI inputs)