SC pulls up Assam on ‘indefinite’ detention of declared foreigners
The Hindu
Supreme Court questions Assam government on indefinite detention of declared foreigners, orders Centre to provide deportation details.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday (February 4, 2025) pulled up the Assam government for detaining indefinitely people declared as foreigners in detention camps, asking the State whether it was waiting for an auspicious time to deport them.
A Bench of Justices A.S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan expressed surprise at the State’s affidavit that it was not sending nationality verification forms to the Ministry of External Affairs as the addresses of the detainees in their native country were not known.
Noting that once the detainees were identified as foreigners they ought to be deported immediately, the Bench asked whether the addresses of the foreigners should be of any concern to the authorities here.
“Why should it be our concern? You deport to their foreign country. Are you waiting for some muhurat [auspicious time]? Once you declare a person as a foreigner, then you have to take the next logical step. You cannot detain them for eternity. Article 21 of the Constitution is there. There are many foreigners lodged in detention centres in Assam. How many have you deported?” the Bench asked the counsel appearing for Assam.
The Bench further ordered the Centre to inform the court in what manner the cases of persons (whose nationality is not known) were being dealt with. The court also directed the Union government to place on record the details of declared foreigners, and the details and the number of persons who had so far been deported.
The court directed the State to file a proper affidavit reporting compliance.
“If the State government finds that nationality verification forms have been sent two months ago, it will immediately issue a reminder to the Ministry of External Affairs. As soon as such reminder is received by the Ministry, effective action shall be taken by the Ministry on the basis of nationality status verification,” the court ordered.
Delhi High Court discusses guidelines for service animals by persons with disabilities in India, involving stakeholders for consultation.
DMK seeks CBI probe into Pondicherry University's mismanagement, criticizes Centre's interference in education sector.
Srinivas University's 7th convocation saw 2,233 students graduate, with inspiring speeches and awards highlighting the ceremony.
Dalai Lama and BJP leader Sambit Patra receive Z-category security cover from CRPF in India.
Senior scientist emphasizes water conservation and sustainable resource management for future generations at international conference on environmental sustainability.
Chairperson G. Pallavi visits nomadic communities in Kodagu, urging them to benefit from government schemes for economic stability.
Minister C.V. Ganesan inaugurates phase III of Makkaludan Mudhalvar scheme in Krishnagiri
Yuvraj ahead of Jamal by a stroke
Arrest of Vamsi illegal, says YSRCP leader Botcha Satyanarayana. The NDA government in Andhra Pradesh has been resorting to vendetta politics since coming to power, and has failed to implement its electoral promises, he says.
UDF hartal in Wayanad over wild animal attacks disrupts daily life, affecting businesses, transportation, and educational institutions.
Kalaburagi CPI(M) demands Karnataka government enforce Micro Loan Ordinance, curb microfinance harassment, and support self-help groups.
CITU representatives seek action against contract worker employment at Samsung and S.H. Electronics India factories in Sriperumbudur.
Kalyana Karnataka Literary Festival at Gulbarga University features seminars, renowned writers, and interactive sessions on literature.