New Delhi: The Central government on Monday said in the supreme court that the notification inviting non-Muslims living in 13 districts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Punjab to apply for Indian citizenship is not related to the amended Citizenship Act, 2019 (CAA). The Centre said in court that the notification is "Merely a process of handing over the power vested with the Central Government to the local authorities".

The Home Ministry said that the Central Government had given similar powers in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2016 and 2018 and no concession has been given among various foreign nationals regarding the eligibility criteria prescribed in the Citizenship Act, 1955 and the rules framed thereunder. The Ministry of Home Affairs in its affidavit said that the may 28, 2021 notification does not relate to CAA, which has been inserted in the law as Section 6B. It is only for the central government to hand over the powers to the local authorities.

The affidavit said it is "In respect of empowering district magistrates of more districts and home secretaries of more states to grant citizenship." The Home Ministry said the said notification does not exempt foreigners and applies only to foreigners who have legally entered the country.

Philippines extends travel ban on India, Six other countries until June 30

UP Govt to launch cluster approach strategy to ensure maximum persons get Vaccinated

Parliament summons Twitter officials to appear before them in Parliament Complex