Which became the first state in India to pass a resolution scrapping t...
On December 31, 2019 the state govt. of Kerala became the 1st state in the country to pass a resolution scrapping the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The resolution was moved by Kerala’s Chief Minister Shri Pinarayee Vijayan and was seconded by the Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala.It was also stated during the assembly that when the Citizenship Act was passed in 1955, it followed all international conventions. But the present act passed by the central govt was claimed to have not followed the international conventions.
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Which became the first state in India to pass a resolution scrapping t...
Introduction:
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is a controversial law passed by the Indian government in December 2019. It provides a path to Indian citizenship for religious minorities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians) from three neighboring countries (Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh) who entered India before December 31, 2014. The act does not include Muslims, leading to widespread protests across the country.
Kerala:
Kerala became the first state in India to pass a resolution scrapping the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The resolution was brought by the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government and was passed in the Kerala Legislative Assembly on December 31, 2019.
Reasons:
1. Opposition to Discrimination: The Kerala government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, strongly opposed the CAA as they believed it violated the principles of equality and secularism enshrined in the Constitution. The act discriminates against Muslims and excludes them from the path to citizenship based on their religion, which goes against the secular fabric of India.
2. Protection of Rights: The resolution aimed to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religion or nationality. It emphasized the need to ensure equal treatment and opportunities for everyone, without any discrimination based on religion.
3. Solidarity with Protests: Kerala has been witnessing massive protests against the CAA since its introduction. The state government's decision to pass the resolution was a show of solidarity with the protesters and a reflection of the widespread opposition to the act in the state.
Impact:
1. Symbolic Gesture: Kerala's resolution to scrap the CAA was primarily a symbolic gesture to express its dissent against the act. While it does not have the power to override a central law, it sends a strong message to the central government and the rest of the country about the state's stance on the issue.
2. Influence on Other States: Kerala's move to pass the resolution against the CAA may influence other states to take a similar stand. It provides a precedent and encourages other state governments to voice their opposition to the act, creating a cumulative effect of dissent across the country.
3. Legal Challenges: The constitutionality of the CAA is currently being examined by the Supreme Court of India. Kerala's resolution adds to the public discourse and may contribute to the legal challenges against the act by highlighting the opposition it faces from state governments.
Conclusion:
Kerala became the first state in India to pass a resolution scrapping the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The decision was driven by the government's opposition to discrimination, the protection of rights, and solidarity with the ongoing protests against the act. While the resolution may not have immediate legal implications, it sends a strong message and may influence other states to take a similar stand. The constitutionality of the CAA is being examined by the Supreme Court, and Kerala's resolution adds to the discourse surrounding the act.