Explain indefinite detention of migrants, Centre told
Expressing serious concern over prolonged detention of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants at correctional homes in West Bengal even after completion of their sentences, the Supreme Court has asked the Centre to explain its failure to comply with its own guideline that required them to be deported in 30 days from the date they are found living illegally in India.
“We would like to understand from the respondents (Centre and West Bengal Government) that once an illegal immigrant from Bangladesh has been convicted of the alleged offence, is it not established that he is not a citizen of India? What is the idea in keeping hundreds of such immigrants at detention camps/correctional homes for an indefinite period of time? The Union of India owes an answer to all these questions put by us,” a Bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan said.
“We would also like to know from the state of West Bengal whether they have any role to play in this litigation. We would also like to know from the Union of India what is expected of the state of West Bengal to do in such matters,” the Bench said in its January 30 order.