India SC refuses to stop implementation of citizenship act

IANS . New Delhi

A demonstrator holds a placard during a protest against a new citizenship law and to show solidarity with the students of New Delhi`s Jamia Millia Islamia university after police entered the university campus on Sunday following a protest against the new law, in Ahmedabad, India, on 17 December 2019. Photo: Reuters

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday said there would be no stay on the Citizenship Amendment Act and fixed 22 January as the date to conduct hearing on nearly 60 petitions challenging the Act.

The Centre will file affidavits on the validity of the law and will also file a reply on the petitioners' prayer seeking stay on the Act.

A man walks past a graffiti during a protest against a new citizenship law, from the roof tops of their homes, in Seelampur, area of Delhi, India on 17 December 2019. Photo: Reuters

A bench headed by chief justice SA Bobde orally instructed attorney general KK Venugopal to publicise the aims and objects of the amended Act as people don't know about it.

The court observed this request has been made by a petitioner, though it is unusual, but it is worth considering. The A-G replied "We are happy to do it."

A tear gas fired by police lands amidst the demonstrators during a protest against a new citizenship law, in Seelampur, area of Delhi, India on 17 December 2019. Photo: Reuters

During the brief hearing, the petitioners' counsel contended before the court that rules on the Act are yet to be framed.

Some of the lawyers said no question of a stay on the Act arises, as rules on it are yet to be framed.

Follow the Google news channel to get Prothom Alo's latest news

ই-পেপার

India SC refuses to stop implementation of citizenship act