Leader of Opposition Challenges CAA Rules in Supreme Court, Cites Discrimination and Accord Violation

The Leader of Opposition, Debabrata Saikia, filed an interlocutory application with the Supreme Court on Tuesday, challenging the rules issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs related to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019. Saikia opposes the CAA, arguing that it introduces classification based on religion and country, which he deems discriminatory and in violation of Article 14 of the Constitution, guaranteeing equality. He highlights inconsistencies in the treatment of persecuted religious minorities and asserts a breach of the 1985 Assam Accord, urging the court to postpone the Act and Rules’ implementation. The Union Home Ministry recently issued the rules, outlining expedited citizenship for migrants under the CAA, which Saikia contends could harm the socio-economic fabric of the state.