New Delhi, February 4, 2025: The Supreme Court has raised concerns over the indefinite detention of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in West Bengal correctional homes, questioning why they remain detained even after completing their sentences.
Key Directives from SC:
- The Centre must explain why it has failed to follow its own guidelines, which mandate deportation within 30 days of confirming illegal residency.
- The Bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan emphasized that once a migrant is convicted, it is legally established that they are not Indian citizens.
- The West Bengal Government has also been asked to clarify its role and responsibilities in handling such cases.
Key Questions Raised by the Court:
- Why are hundreds of migrants kept in detention indefinitely despite deportation guidelines?
- What role does West Bengal play in these cases, and what is expected from the state government?
- Why has the Union Government failed to ensure timely deportation?
The next hearing is expected to determine the Centre’s response and potential solutions to address the prolonged detention issue.