Supreme Court Warns Assam Government Over Detention Centers and Deportation Delays
The Supreme Court of India has issued a stern warning to the Assam government over its failure to deport individuals declared as foreigners. Expressing dissatisfaction, the court questioned the state government’s inaction, particularly regarding individuals detained in detention centers for extended periods. This development comes amid growing concerns over the rights of detainees, delays in deportation, and the state’s handling of its National Register of Citizens (NRC) process.
Supreme Court Questions Assam’s Indefinite Detention Policy
During the latest hearing, the Supreme Court bench, led by Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, sought a detailed explanation from the Assam government regarding the prolonged detention of individuals classified as foreign nationals. The court raised a fundamental question:
“Will you keep these people in detention indefinitely?”
The Assam government has previously argued that the deportation process is hindered due to detainees not revealing their foreign addresses. However, the Supreme Court found this explanation inadequate, questioning whether the state was waiting for an auspicious moment to carry out deportations.
Two-Week Deadline to Deport 63 Foreign Nationals
In a significant directive, the Supreme Court ordered the Assam government to deport 63 individuals within two weeks. These detainees were declared foreign nationals during the NRC update process but remain confined in detention centers due to administrative delays.
The ruling has put tremendous pressure on the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government, which now faces legal and administrative hurdles in executing the court’s directive. The court further directed the government to ensure that the deportation process is expedited to prevent unnecessary human rights violations.
Supreme Court Criticizes Assam Government for Hiding Facts
Expressing dissatisfaction, Justice Abhay S. Oka accused the Assam government of suppressing facts. During the proceedings, India’s Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, acknowledged “certain shortcomings” and issued an apology on behalf of the state government. However, the Supreme Court remained unconvinced.
Justice Oka reprimanded the state, stating:
“We will issue a notice for false testimony. You must accept your misconduct.”
The court further questioned why the verification date of detainees was not disclosed in the affidavit, declaring it to be defective. The ruling underscored judicial frustration over Assam’s handling of the foreigners’ issue, which remains a contentious subject in the region.
