Thread by @utkarsh_aanand

#CAA hearing begins in the #SupremeCourt. Attorney General KK Venugopal starts by saying the Centre has prepared a preliminary affidavit that will be filed today. Sibal asks for a #Constitution Bench to which #CJI replies saying this might go to the larger bench

#CAA_NRCProtests

Sibal: NPR begins in April so some interim order could be issued..

Centre opposes it, saying arguments will have to be made if any interim plea has to be argued.

#CAA
#CAA_NRCProtests

AM Singhvi cites UP example, says this is an irrevocable process.

CJI: We may ask them to issue some temporary permits for the time being.

AG: The law itself talks about taking back the citizenship in certain situation.

#CAA
#CAA_NRCProtests

Sr adv Vikas Singh says interim order is a must because demography if Assam could be changed because of this law. Half the immigrants in Assam are Bengali Hindus, he argues.

#CJI makes it clear the #SupremeCourt won't pass any ex-parte order on #CAA.

#CAA_NRCProtests

#CJI: "The first decision to be taken is whether we should wait for 99% of the petitions to come in. So that tomorrow there is no argument by a new petitioner that no order was passed in my petition."

#CAA
#CAA_NRCProtests

SG Tushar Mehta cited the procedure adopted in #Article370 matters to state the court today might say that no new petition will be accepted but those who want to be heard can file intervention applications.

#CAA
#CAA_NRCProtests

Sibal again says let the process be halted for a while. AG opposes it saying it means as good as granting stay the operation of the law.

#CJI: We aren't going to pass any such order today..

#CAA
#CAA_NRCProtests

Another #Assam matter mentioned, plea made to hear #Assam-related matters separately because it has an Accord & is placed differently from other cases on #CAA. #CJI asks court officials to bunch up #Assam cases separately. Centre to file reply on 2 weeks.

#CAA_NRCProtests

Singhvi cites #UttarPradesh example, asks for staying the #CAA_NPR process. "If this hasn't happened in last 70 years, let it not take place for two more years. How does it change anything?" he asks.

AG asks lawyers to file categorical affidavits on what they are arguing.

#CAA

Sibal to lead the matters relating to Assam and Tripura in view of the specific provisions in relation to these states.

AG asks for 6 weeks for the Centre to file affidavits in all #CAA matters. Sibal, others oppose, saying the matter needs to be heard expeditiously.

#SupremeCourt refuses to pass any order of restraint against operation of #CAA or #NPR, indicates a #Constitution Bench might take up the matter on the next date. Govt gets 4 weeks to file reply.

#CAA_NRCProtests

On a transfer petition by the Central Govt, #SupremeCourt restrains all high courts from passing any rider on #CAA.