Muslim couple gets married at protest against India citizenship law

Amidst the current protests in India, a Muslim couple tied the knot at the site of anti-CAA protest in Chennai on Monday, February 17.

The couple had a unique wedding ceremony while holding anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) placards in hands that read: “No CAA, NPR, NRC.”

Sumayya and Shahin Shah decided to get married at the site of a protest in the capital of Tamil Nadu. Their marriage was solemnized by an Imam among the crowd of protesters. Sumayya wore a bright red saree with heavy zari work while the groom, Shahin Shah, wore a maroon jacket.

The couple received a warm welcome from the crowd and they received gifts and cash presents.

The Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 was passed by the Parliament of India on 11 December 2019 and has caused an uproar in India and sparked protests across the country.

Under the CAA 2019, religious minorities that have taken refuge in India till 2014 are eligible for citizenship. However, the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB 2019) makes it a point to exclude Muslims. The law requires Indian Muslims to prove their origins in India otherwise they stand to lose their citizenship.