Supreme Court Seeks Centre's Reply on Rohingya Refugee Detention Plea

The Supreme Court has requested the Centre's response to a plea aiming for the release of indefinitely detained Rohingya refugees. Filed by Rita Manchanda, the plea condemns the conditions and procedural violations in detention centers. The court's notice returns on August 27, 2024.

The Supreme Court has recently directed the Centre to respond to a plea seeking the release of Rohingya refugees held indefinitely in detention across the country. The court's order, issued on August 12, schedules a return notice for August 27, 2024.

Headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, a bench also comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra has asked the Centre and other involved parties to submit their replies. The Public Interest Litigation questions the indefinite detention of Rohingya asylum seekers, including women and children, claiming it violates legal procedural norms.

The plea, filed by academic Rita Manchanda and represented by various advocates, highlights numerous human rights concerns, such as lack of proper notice, inhumane living conditions, and unavailability of mental health support for detained women and children. The petitioner calls for the Centre to identify all detained Rohingyas and assess their refugee status promptly, proposing either their release or resettlement in a third country.