New Delhi, Dec 18 (IANS): The Supreme Court on Wednesday said there would be no stay on the Citizenship Amendment Act and fixed January 22 as the date to conduct hearing on nearly 60 petitions challenging the Act.
The Supreme Court issued notice to the central government over the Act and asked it to file response by 2nd week of January, and the hearing has been scheduled for January 22.
The Centre will file affidavits on the validity of the law and will also file a reply on the petitioners' prayer seeking stay on the Act.
A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde orally instructed Attorney General K.K. Venugopal to publicise the aims and objects of the amended Act as people don't know about it.
The court observed this request has been made by a petitioner, though it is unusual, but it is worth considering. The A-G replied "We are happy to do it."
During the brief hearing, the petitioners' counsel contended before the court that rules on the Act are yet to be framed.
Some of the lawyers said no question of a stay on the Act arises, as rules on it are yet to be framed.