What Is The Full Form Of CAA In Law?

CAA full form in law is Citizenship Amendment Act. Passed in 2019, it changed the Citizenship Act of 1955 in India. The Amendment helps mainly some groups from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to gain citizenship in India more quickly. This is specifically for only the Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians who had come to India only before 2014. This law shortens their stay in India to just 5 years to become a citizen, from 11 years.

Legal Implications and Usage:

The CAA has evoked a lot of debate and discussion, not only legally but also at the social level. As the best example, it has been dragged before the Supreme Court of India, being violative in nature with respect to the secular (non-religious) principles of the Indian Constitution. This is more so in respect to Article 14 on equality before the law. Critics argue that the law was against the principle of treating all religions the same in India since it discriminates against Muslims. But keep in mind, the citizenship of already Indian Muslims is not affected by any means. This law was implemented because the surrounding nations of India are Muslim countries, like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, therefore, the minority group from these countries which are mostly Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians can easily take citizenship of India.