Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), enacted in India in 2019, simplifies the process for certain religions—Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians—from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to obtain Indian citizenship. It provides a pathway for these groups to become citizens more easily, especially those facing persecution, by reducing residency requirements. Importantly, the Act does not extend this benefit to Muslims from these countries. Critics argue it discriminates based on religion and challenges India's secular principles, leading to widespread protests and debates about inclusivity, minority rights, and the country's constitutional values.