Guwahati: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Central Government to expedite the deportation of 17 foreigners currently held in detention camps in Assam.
The order comes in the case of Rajubala Das vs Union of India and Others, which examines the conditions of these detention centres, Bar and Bench reported.
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A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan noted that none of the 17 individuals have any criminal cases pending against them.
“The Court finds that there are 17 declared foreigners detained in an Assam detention center, with four having spent over two years there. We believe the Central Government must prioritize deporting these 17 foreigners since they face no criminal charges. The four individuals detained for two years should be deported first,” the Court stated
The Court further mandated the submission of a compliance report within two months. The next hearing is scheduled for July 26th, 2024.
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These detention centers house individuals with questionable citizenship or those deemed foreigners by tribunals. During the hearing, Justice Oka humorously remarked that the facilities provided to these 17 foreigners might be better enjoyed by Indian citizens.
Justice Bhuyan pressed the Central Government on the procedures for deporting those without pending legal proceedings. He emphasized the need for deportation treaties with neighboring countries to facilitate the process.
“Once the tribunals make a determination, what follows? Do we have deportation agreements with these individuals’ home countries? If deportation is necessary, how will it occur without such treaties? They cannot be indefinitely held in these centers,” Justice Bhuyan asked.