Background

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) triggered nationwide protests, with critics alleging it discriminated against Muslims by fast-tracking citizenship for non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. Amid this political unrest, a petition was filed in the Rajasthan High Court seeking registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for introducing and implementing the CAA.

Court’s Findings

The Rajasthan High Court dismissed the petition, labeling it “absurd and frivolous.” The bench emphasized that law-making and governance are constitutional functions, and introducing legislation in Parliament, debating it, and implementing it after enactment cannot be equated with criminal acts.

The Court further noted that allowing an FIR in such circumstances would amount to misuse of criminal law for political purposes. It clarified that disagreements with laws should be addressed through constitutional remedies—including protests, petitions, or legal challenges—not through criminal complaints against political leaders.

Decision

The plea was dismissed outright, with the bench criticizing the petitioner for attempting to use the judicial process for political ends.

Legal Significance

• Separation of powers reinforced: Parliament enacts laws; executive implements them; criminal law does not extend to legislative or governance acts.

• Prevention of judicial misuse: Ensures that FIRs are not weaponized for political vendettas.

• Guidance for citizens: Challenges to laws must follow constitutional avenues rather than criminalizing governance decisions.