India's parliament Wednesday passed a contentious citizenship bill amid violent protests and claims that it discriminates against Muslims as part of the Hindu-nationalist government's agenda.
The bill will let New Delhi grant citizenship to illegal immigrants who entered India from three neighbouring countries before 2015 -- but not if they are Muslim.
The Citizenship Amendment Bill makes it easier for Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian illegal immigrants from Muslim-majority neighbouring countries to gain Indian citizenship.
The legislation was passed 125-105 by the upper house, after the lower house voted in support of it on Monday. It will be sent to the president to be signed into law, with his approval seen as a formality.
"The bill is an assault on Indian Constitution and democracy. It hurts the soul of India. It fails the morality test," Anand Sharma of the main opposition Indian National Congress party said.
Several opposition lawmakers said the bill would be challenged in court.
