The Supreme Court Today (Nov 4) directed the Assam government to ensure that detention camps in the State have proper facilities within a month. Bench directed the State authorities to visit such camps and hold a meeting with all concerned authorities. “The condition of detention camps are way beyond from being satisfactory. Even basic health amenities are lacking as per the report of the legal services authority,” the Court noted.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court issued a directive to the Assam government mandating substantial improvements in the facilities at detention camps throughout the state within one month.
A Bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih underscored the urgency of the matter, ordering state authorities to conduct on-site visits to these camps and convene a meeting with all relevant parties to address the shortcomings.
“The condition of detention camps are way beyond from being satisfactory. Even basic health amenities are lacking as per the report of the legal services authority of the State. There are not even female doctors available. Please ensure that facilities are available,”
-Justice Oka orally remarked.
The Court specifically instructed the Secretary of the Assam Legal Services Authority to participate in this meeting and submit a comprehensive report by December 9. The matter was being heard in connection with ongoing concerns about the dire conditions at Assam’s detention centers, where individuals with disputed citizenship status or those declared foreigners by the tribunals are held.
Earlier this year, the Bench expressed its strong disapproval regarding the state of the Matia detention center in Goalpara district. This facility, which cost ₹64 crore to construct, stands as the largest detention center in India. Despite its scale, the Supreme Court highlighted severe deficiencies.
“What a sorry state of affairs. No water or sanitation facilities even. No clarity on food and medical help,”
-the Court had observed during a hearing in July, emphasizing the critical lapses in infrastructure and basic services.
The Supreme Court once again reproached the Assam government for the dismal hygienic conditions prevalent at the Matia detention center during the latest proceedings. This censure comes in the wake of a directive issued in May when the Court instructed the Central government to expedite the deportation of 17 foreign nationals detained in these camps.
These individuals were not facing any criminal charges that justified their continued detention.
Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves represented the petitioner in the case, while Advocate Shuvodeep Roy appeared on behalf of the Assam government.
In summary, the Supreme Court’s latest order underscores the pressing need for reform in the detention centers across Assam.
The directive highlights the Court’s ongoing concern for humane conditions and basic human rights for detainees, particularly pointing to significant inadequacies in health, sanitation, and overall living conditions.
CASE TITLE:
Rajubala Das vs Union of India and anr
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