Citizenship Amendment Act protests: SC may hear pleas on December 18

New Delhi: The petition filed by the Indian Union Muslim League against the Citizenship Amendment Act is likely to be heard by the Supreme Court on December 18. The court may also hear around a dozen petitions related to the Citizenship Amendment Bill on the same day. The news is yet to be verified by officials. Of them, one includes the plea filed by AIMIM chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi. The leader attracted trouble when he tore up a copy of the Citizenship Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha on the day it was passed with a majority. Within one week, the Rajya Sabha members also passed the bill and it was made into a law with the President's assent.

The Act has sparked nation-wide protests especially in northeast states like Assam where Army troops are currently deployed and internet services have been suspended. Parts of Bengal, Delhi and in latest - Mumbai, have also started protesting against the act which is being criticized for being anti-Muslim - a community that is a minority in the nation.

Kerala and Punjab Chief Ministers have categorically stated that the states will not be adopting the Act. In protest-ridden Bengal, Mamata Banerjee stated that the Act will not be implemented in Bengal too. She requested the protesters to calm down, saying the Act and NRC will not be implemented in the state. "I request everyone to not create any disturbance or involve in any kind of violence. Be sure that. Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens (NRC) will not be implemented in Bengal as we won't allow it. Please don't block roads and take law in hands," Mamata Banerjee said speaking about the Act.