NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized the Assam government for detaining foreign nationals in transit camps without making adequate efforts to deport them. Emphasizing that the right to life extends to all individuals, including foreigners, the court directed the state to take immediate steps for their deportation.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and N. Kotiswar Singh issued a six-week deadline to the Assam government to file a compliance affidavit. The court demanded explanations regarding the reasons for detaining 270 foreign nationals and the measures undertaken for their deportation.
The court was hearing a case concerning individuals who have been in detention for years, with some held for over a decade. The bench remarked, “The affidavit filed does not justify the detention of these individuals or outline the steps taken to deport them. This is a violation of the court’s earlier orders.”
The Supreme Court directed Assam’s chief secretary to appear virtually during the next hearing to explain the state’s non-compliance.
The Assam government’s counsel informed the court that the deportation process involves coordination with the Union government and the Ministry of External Affairs, which verifies the identities of the detainees through diplomatic channels.
Previously, the Supreme Court instructed the Assam State Legal Services Authority to conduct inspections of the Matia transit camp to ensure proper hygiene and food standards for detainees.
This matter underscores the broader issue of prolonged detention and the need for systemic reforms in handling illegal migrants in India.
