THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Dec 2: The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard a petition related to Rohingya refugees before a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant. The bench sharply criticised the petitioner over allegations that five Rohingyas had gone missing from police custody.
The bench made it clear that those who enter the country illegally cannot expect special treatment. The court also refused to issue a notice to the Centre. The next hearing is scheduled for December 16, when other related matters concerning Rohingyas will also be taken up.
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During the proceedings, the bench adopted a firm stance, describing the individuals as infiltrators and stressing that the Northeast border is extremely sensitive.
The judges questioned whether the petitioner expected the court to “roll out a red carpet” for people who enter the country unlawfully.
The bench noted that demands for food, shelter, and education for such individuals could not be placed on the judiciary, adding that habeas corpus pleas in this context were unrealistic.
CJI Surya Kant remarked strongly that seeking a habeas corpus order in such matters is a “fancy argument” and reiterated that the individuals concerned are illegal migrants. Given the nation’s security concerns and border sensitivities, the bench said it could not extend sympathy to such petitions.
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The petition had alleged that five Rohingya refugees were missing from police custody and urged the court to order an inquiry to trace them. It also challenged their detention as illegal and inhumane, claiming they were being kept in degrading conditions.
The Centre has consistently maintained that Rohingyas are not Indian citizens and pose a threat to national security. In 2017 as well, the Supreme Court refused to halt their deportation. It is estimated that around 40,000 Rohingyas currently live across India, most of them without valid documents.
