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IUML moves SC against MHA order giving citizenship to non-Muslim minorities from abroad

In its petition, the IUML states that the Union Home Ministry's order does not withstand the test of Article 14 (Equality before law)

IUML moves court against MHA order giving citizenship to non-Muslims foreigners-VPN
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New Delhi, First Published Jun 1, 2021, 1:31 PM IST

The Indian Union Muslim League on Tuesday moved the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the Union Home Ministry's May 28 order granting of citizenship to non-Muslims from neighbouring countries who are residing in 13 districts across three states.

In its petition, the IUML states that the Union Home Ministry's order does not withstand the test of Article 14 (Equality before law), as it treats people within a particular class unequally by virtue of their religion.

The May 28 order had called for applications for citizenship under section 6 of the Citizenship Act 1955 from any person belonging to the minority community in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians) from 13 districts across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Punjab. In 2016, refugees from 16 districts collectors were given the power to accept citizenship applications.

The IUML petition claimed that through the May 28 order, the Centre has attempted to circumvent the assurance given to the Supreme Court. 

To recall, during the hearing on IUML's plea challenging the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, the Centre had earlier submitted that the Amendment Act need not be stayed since the rules concerning the Amendment Act had yet to be framed.

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