Opposition seeks JPC on immigration Bill

Opposition leaders raised objections to the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2024, passed in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Congress MP Manish Tewari demanded its referral to a Joint Parliamentary Committee, citing “arbitrary” provisions like no right to appeal for foreigners and empowering even head constables to arrest suspected illegal immigrants.

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He criticised clauses making immigration officers’ decisions “final and binding” and allowing passport seizures for being “damaged” without clear definitions. “This invites harassment with no recourse,” he said, contrasting it with the US and Canada’s judicial oversight mechanisms. Home Minister Amit Shah defended the Bill, stating rules for damaged passports evolved and Section 30 allowed future modifications. He asserted the government’s right to decide on exceptions, targeting infiltrators with “ulterior motives”.