In a major update, India’s Supreme Court has announced that hearings on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) challenges will commence on May 5, 2026. This decision prioritizes cases from the rest of the country over those from Assam and Tripura, aiming to streamline the judicial process for the 237 outstanding petitions.
The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, underscored the urgency of fixing a firm date after prolonged pendency. The CAA, enacted in 2019, offers expedited citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians fleeing persecution from three neighboring Islamic nations—but notably omits Muslims, drawing accusations of religious bias.
Fresh momentum followed the government’s notification of CAA rules last March, prompting additional filings. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighted a prior 2020 directive to segregate cases, a suggestion the Chief Justice endorsed. Petitioners can now submit extra affidavits and will get a full day for oral arguments.
This scheduling revives a saga that triggered massive 2019 protests and ongoing activism. Legal experts anticipate rigorous examination of whether the Act violates secular principles enshrined in the Constitution. As preparations intensify, the ruling could have far-reaching implications for immigration, minority rights, and federal-state dynamics, particularly in sensitive border regions like the Northeast.
Beyond the courtroom, the CAA symbolizes deeper tensions in India’s multicultural democracy. Will the court uphold the law’s protective rationale or strike it down for discriminatory elements? The 2026 hearings promise clarity after years of uncertainty, offering hope to applicants and activists alike.