Today, On 30th May, The Supreme Court has urgently taken up a Habeas Corpus petition regarding the deportation of refugees from Assam to Bangladesh. The plea highlights forced deportation despite ongoing cases in the Foreigners’ Tribunal.
New Delhi: A Habeas Corpus petition urgently presented to the Supreme Court concerning the alleged deportation of refugees from Assam to Bangladesh.
The matter was raised for expedited hearing due to serious concerns over ongoing deportations, even as many cases remain pending before the Foreigners’ Tribunals.
Senior Advocate Shoeb Alam, representing the petitioner, informed the Bench that the case was filed by a son on behalf of his mother.
He stated,
“This plea has been filed by a son for his mother. Authorities are deporting individuals despite their cases being sub-judice before the foreigners’ tribunal.”
Advocate Alam emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting,
“I have also filed a petition… People are being forcibly transported to the border and pushed into Bangladesh.”
Another attorney in the courtroom echoed similar worries, stating,
“I too have challenged Assam’s push-back policy in a separate plea.”
Also Read: Bangladesh Illegal Immigrants in India: Legal Stance and Regulations Explained
After considering the urgent request, the Chief Justice of India responded briefly, directing that the matter be heard soon.
The CJI remarked,
“List the matter for Monday.”
This petition raises concerns about human rights violations and the legality of deportations while legal proceedings are ongoing.
The court’s upcoming hearing on Monday is anticipated to examine whether these deportations violate legal protocols and individual rights.
In Assam, numerous individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants have been held under India’s foreigner laws. Among these detainees are refugees and stateless persons who assert they Ran away persecution or poverty from Bangladesh. After being labeled as “foreigners” by Foreigners Tribunals, many are confined in detention centers within jails throughout Assam.
WHO ARE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
Foreign nationals who come to India without proper travel papers are considered illegal immigrants.
All foreign nationals, including those who enter India without valid travel documents or stay beyond their visa’s allowed time, must follow the rules mentioned in “The Foreigners Act, 1946,”
However, in some special cases, exemptions are provided under “The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920” and “The Foreigners Act, 1946.” These exemptions are decided on a case-by-case basis.