“What about Muslim Personal Law”: Amit Shah takes head on those who are questioning CAA for being based on religion

Union Home Minister Amit Shah brought to the fore the existence of religious laws that are prevalent in the country and also threw light on the historical blunders and events that took place at the time of the partition.

On being asked why CAA was formulated on the basis of religion, Amit Shah posed a thought-provoking counter-question, asking about the Muslim Personal Law and whether it too is not based on religion. The Muslim personal law governs the institutions of marriage and divorce, adoption, succession, and charity in the Indian Islamic community.

This rhetorical question drew attention to the fact that religious laws have been an integral part of India’s legal framework for centuries.Shah was responsding while addressing a gathering at a conclave organised by a prominent media house.

Furthermore, Amit Shah delved into historical facts, particularly addressing the context of the partition. He highlighted statements made by Congress leaders during that tumultuous period, wherein assurances were given to people not to leave their homes due to violence, promising them citizenship in India later. However, Shah pointed out that the Congress party seems to have forgotten these promises, attributing it to vote bank politics.

Amit Shah underscored the complex and contentious nature of discussions surrounding the CAA. While critics argue that the law discriminates on the basis of religion by granting citizenship to non-Muslim immigrants from neighboring countries, proponents, including Amit Shah, defended it as a humanitarian measure aimed at providing refuge to persecuted minorities.

Amit Shah’s reference to the Muslim Personal Law serves to highlight the presence of religious laws in India’s legal system and challenges the narrative that the CAA is an aberration in this regard. By contextualizing the CAA within the broader framework of religious laws, Shah addressed criticisms and presented a more nuanced understanding of the issue.

Moreover, Shah’s invocation of historical events during the partition adds depth to the discussion, reminding the audience of the complex socio-political dynamics that have shaped India’s demographic landscape. The contrasting stance of Congress then and now, as highlighted by Shah, underscores the evolving nature of political rhetoric and strategies over time.

As debates surrounding the CAA continue to unfold, Amit Shah’s defence of the law and his historical references contribute to a deeper understanding of the issue.

It was on March 11, 2024, that the Union Government notified that the Citizenship Amendment Act, and it was  implemented across the country. In the past, Muslims were apprehensive about the act. However, after being notified, the Muslims have welcomed the CAA. Despite the hue and cry that is being made by the opposition party, the big Muslim organisations have welcomed the act and have said that the Muslims need not panic as it was not going to take away their citizenship.